Debate contribution: Houses in Multiple Occupation

Debate contribution by Mr Mark Durkan on 14 October 2025.

MLA: Mr Mark Durkan
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 14 October 2025
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Houses in Multiple Occupation
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5180970

Text

I will tell him, as the Minister responsible for HMO policy, that some houses across the North have essentially had their kitchens closed off to avoid them being defined as an HMO and so that they remain immune from enforcement. Some properties are being used as temporary accommodation by the Housing Executive, which is awful for tenants, and they are often overcrowded due to the definition of "family" in HMO legislation. The Minister told us that he is aware of those issues. How aware is he? Does he find those issues acceptable? How does he intend to address those issues?

100 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 1671/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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