An independent housing panel to deal with disputes between private tenants and landlords has been mooted for Northern Ireland.

The proposal was contained in a document for change in the private rented sector which was published by the Department for Communities.

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Northern Ireland, which is also backing new checks on property conditions to boost standards, said such a body would be “mutually beneficial”.

CIH Northern Ireland director Nicola McCrudden said: “More people continue to live in privately rented homes – whether by choice or necessity, it’s vital to focus on making conditions better for both tenants and landlords.

“We are particularly pleased to see proposals around dealing with tenant-landlord disputes through an independent housing panel. Such disagreements don’t belong in a court system which is not accessible for many tenants and landlords. A low-cost dispute resolution panel could help keep disputes out of the courts.”

The department’s proposals include sample checks on property conditions by councils.

Ms McCrudden added: “Property standards are generally good in the sector, but tenants at the lower end of the market can live in poor conditions – it is good to see proposals for a more pro-active role for councils in enforcing standards.

“What is absent from the proposals however is a licensing scheme for landlords, which we believe would undoubtedly help to professionalise the sector. Good practice in housing management can be promoted and achieved through learning. Proposals to encourage institutional investment into the sector as well as housing association involvement however will also go some way towards raising standards.

“We have been involved in helping to shape these proposals and it is encouraging to also see plans for compulsory tenancy agreements, new safety requirements relating to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and electrical checks, and a system to regulate letting agents.”

A consultation period on proposals runs to April 3.