The Landlord Registration Scheme (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/landlord-registration-scheme) collects and maintains up-to-date and accurate information on landlords and their properties. All landlords with properties in Northern Ireland must be registered with the scheme and have a Landlord Registration certificate. The certificate is valid for three years.

Who has to register?

All landlords who let properties under a private tenancy in Northern Ireland must register for the Landlord Registration Scheme. You must provide accurate and up-to-date information about yourself and your properties. All joint owners of a property that is let need to register separately.

Register as a landlord (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/register-landlord).

How much does it cost?

You only pay one fee regardless of the number of properties you own:

• the online registration fee is £70
• the paper/non-electronic based registration fee is £80

Who is exempt from the registration fee?

As a landlord you are exempt from the registration fee if you have paid to register a house in multiple occupation which is registered under a Houses in Multiple Occupation Registration Scheme (https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/register-house-multiple-occupation).

Penalties

If you do not complete your registration, you will be committing an offence and may be issued with a penalty of between £500 and £2,500.

Read further information on the registering as a landlord (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/buying-selling-and-renting-home/registering-landlord).

Information for landlords who use agents

If someone else looks after the day to day management of your property or if the house is sub-let, you, as the landlord, will still have responsibility for and control of the property. Your property will still have to be registered under the Landlord Registration Scheme.

Read further information for landlords who use agents (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/information-landlords-who-use-agents).