Housing Rights

As welfare reform and changes to the Social Fund have started to take effect, Housing Rights has found that affordability is consistently one of the top issues encountered by clients. Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) has found that both the social and private rented sectors are at risk of poverty after housing costs are met, this is particularly the case for low income households in the private rented sector, who face a particularly high housing cost burden and a high risk of poverty.

Taking on the responsibility of a rental property for the first time can be a daunting experience, this course hopes to assist participants by building their knowledge of support and protections available to them ahead of their new rental agreement.

Universal Credit is gradually being introduced in Northern Ireland and has brought a new set of challenges for housing providers, tenants, homeowners and those who advise them.

This course will look at various methods and options which can help a client, who is threatened with homelessness, to stay in their current home or make their current home more suitable.

Our Housing Advice Training Programme is the ‘must-have’ foundational course for those working in housing. The course will be held 1 day per week, over a four week period. The four day format will concentrate on key themes that will enable participants to obtain a qualification which enhances the skills and knowledge necessary to provide comprehensive housing advice.

A new system for the regulation and licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation came into force on 1st April 2019. The DfC has made subordinate regulations, including a Code of Practice for landlords and HMO managers, which will give effect to the Houses in Multiple Occuation Act (NI) 2016

A new system for the regulation and licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation comes into force on 1st April 2019. The DfC has made subordinate regulations, including a Code of Practice for landlords and HMO managers, which will give effect to the Houses in Multiple Occuation Act (NI) 2016.

This course will assist tenants in understanding where responsibility lies for repairs within Private Tenancies. It will also discuss rights & obligations for both parties within the tenancy. It covers the legislation protecting tenants and landlords as well as discussing the recent updates to HMO properties. We will also discuss possible funding, including grants available for improvements to a property.

On completion of this course, participants will be better able to support clients in applying for and gaining access to social accommodation.

Universal Credit is gradually being introduced in Northern Ireland and has brought a new set of challenges for housing providers, tenants, homeowners and those who advise them. This training course will provide a complete introduction to the housing element of Universal Credit and the likely impacts of this new system on tenants and homeowners.