Overview
13.The Act has 12 substantive sections plus standard interpretation, commencement and short title sections. It also contains 3 Schedules. In the main, the Act consists of a series of amendments to the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (‘the 2006 Order’), the main primary legislation governing the private rented sector in Northern Ireland. Section 12 and Schedule 1 are the exceptions to this rule, providing standalone provision in the Act.
14.The 2006 Order is divided into 6 Parts. This Act focuses on Parts 2 and 6. Part 2 describes the obligations of landlords and tenants in relation to rent books, tenancy deposits, repairs and maintenance, and other matters. Part 6 sets out a number of miscellaneous provisions including provisions relating to the service of notices and documents, the punishment of offences, fixed penalty notices and regulation making powers.