Updated legislation to improve accommodation standards

Updated legislation which governs the standards of ex-guest houses means landlords are no longer breaking the law.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture introduced new regulations for flats and houses of multiple occupancy earlier this year.

It’s in an effort to improve the living conditions in buildings where people have their own bedrooms but share kitchen and bathroom facilities.

For the first time the properties, which often house vulnerable people, will have to meet reasonable standards.

Environmental health manager John Howie says previously the existing law couldn’t be enforced: