A public consultation has been launched regarding a new bill introduced by People Before Profit MLA, Gerry Carroll, which aims to tackle the housing crisis in Northern Ireland.

The People's Housing Bill features several proposals to help combat the ongoing issue of housing, including the introduction of rent controls, a ban on no-fault evictions, a default minimum tenancy length of 5 years, the establishment of a Rental Board and powers to bring over 22,000 vacant properties back into use as social homes.

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"We are in the middle of a housing crisis that is having huge implications on the fabric of our society and the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of citizens," said Mr Carroll.

"This housing crisis is being driven by unaffordable rents, appalling conditions and standards in the private and social rented sectors, endless evictions and stalling rates of social housebuilding, year on year.

"The Executive have had decades to tackle these issues but have refused to act. That is why I have introduced the People's Housing Bill – to address the lack of rights for renters and those in housing need."

A series of public meetings on housing will be held throughout the consultation period, which closes on 22nd January, 2025.

The online consultation survey can be found here.