Background
3.The Northern Ireland housing legislation is contained in the Housing (Northern Ireland) Orders of 1981, 1983, 1986, 1988 and 1992 and the Rent (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. In the light of experience in operating the legislation and having regard to developments in Great Britain, the Department for Social Development (“the Department”) identified a number of issues that need to be addressed - in particular, with respect to the conduct of tenants, payment of grants and a range of miscellaneous matters.
