If a landlord fails to comply with the Regulations, they will have committed an offence under Article 11B(4) of the Private Tenancies (NI) Order 2006. On conviction, the guilty party would be subject to a maximum fine of £2,500.
Work closely with your landlords
Even if it is ultimately the landlord’s responsibility, Propertymark recommends that letting agents work closely with landlords to ensure that they are meeting their duties. This may include taking on the responsibility for ensuring that the property is compliant with the Regulations, even if the agent cannot take legal responsibility for breaching the Regulations.
In the case where a landlord does not wish to be contacted, the agent can emphasise this when providing contact details to the tenant through the Landlord Notice. It is also important that agents understand the Regulations so they can support their clients and keep tenants informed of their own responsibilities. This will potentially save lives and ensures agents provide a better service to landlords and tenants.
