Propertymark, the professional membership body for property agents in the UK, has called for strengthened landlord registration requirements in Northern Ireland, saying tougher rules are essential to raising standards and protecting tenants across the private rented sector.

As reported by The Intermediary, the organisation backed proposals to expand the information landlords must submit when registering, including evidence of compliance with gas safety, electrical safety, energy performance, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, and fitness for human habitation standards.

Henry Griffith, policy officer at Propertymark, said: "The vast majority of landlords and letting agents work hard to provide safe, compliant homes for tenants. Strengthening the Landlord Registration Scheme will help create a level playing field by making it easier to identify and take action against those who fail to meet the standards expected of them."

Propertymark also backed proposals to share registration data with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland to support enforcement of gas safety obligations, with Griffith noting that better inter-agency coordination would help target non-compliant operators.

The organisation called for enforcement measures to focus on poor practice while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on compliant landlords and agents.

Propertymark additionally urged that letting agents be given the ability to upload compliance documents directly to the registration system, arguing this would reduce confusion and streamline the process for agents managing multiple properties on behalf of landlords.

Griffith said: "The success of any regulatory system depends on trust, transparency and effective enforcement. These proposals have the potential to deliver meaningful benefits for tenants, landlords and agents alike, provided they remain focused on raising standards, targeting non-compliance and avoiding unnecessary duplication."

The professional body confirmed it looks forward to continuing engagement with the Department for Communities and local authorities to ensure the scheme delivers practical improvements for the private rented sector.

The development reflects growing regulatory momentum across the UK to professionalise private rental markets and ensure membership bodies play a central role in shaping compliance frameworks.

Explore the full details of Propertymark's position on Northern Ireland's landlord registration reforms.