Minister Givan launches ‘Learning 2 Let’ Programme

Date published: 26 July 2016

Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA has today launched a new training programme that aims to help improve and professionalise the private rented sector.

‘Learning 2 Let’ is a training programme developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) which offers all registered private landlords and letting agents in Northern Ireland the opportunity to get the accredited CIH Level 2 Award in Letting & Managing Residential Property at a subsidised rate, as a result of bursary support received from the Department for Communities (DfC).

Launching the new training programme, Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA said: “I am delighted to be officially launching the "Learning 2 Let" Programme to which the Department for Communities has committed bursary support over the next three years. 

“In Northern Ireland there are over 48,500 registered landlords with over 102,000 properties. Private rented accommodation is an important and growing sector in Northern Ireland and whilst much of the accommodation is very good, this programme aims to assist in making the private rented sector a better place to live more generally by providing private landlords and letting agents the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to ensure excellent standards of accommodation and practice and importantly ensure full compliance with their legal obligations.

“Learning 2 Let offers all registered private landlords and letting agents in NI the chance to get this fully accredited CIH qualification at a cost of just £100, so getting qualified has never been easier.”

Over the next three years, the “Learning 2 Let” programme will be offered at various locations across Northern Ireland. Full course information, including training course overview, dates, locations and venues can all be found on the CIH website. You can also tell CIH when, and where, you would like to see "Learning 2 Let" courses taking place.

CIH Director for Northern Ireland Nicola McCrudden said: “We are delighted to be rolling out the "Learning 2 Let" programme right across Northern Ireland over the next three years. The funding which the Department for Communities has committed to this programme means that not only can we help private landlords and letting agents to gain a recognised industry qualification at a minimal cost to them, but we can also make private rented accommodation a better option for everyone.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. For all course enquiries, full course details and bookings, contact CIH or contact Alan Shanley by email at alan.shanley@cih.org or call 028 9077 8222
  2. An online version of this qualification, which will also be available to registered landlords and letting agents at the reduced rate, will also be developed and rolled out later in 2016
  3. To find out more about becoming a registered landlord, go to nidirect 
  4. "Learning 2 Let" programme is in receipt of bursary support from the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland over a three year period from 2016 - 2019
  5. CIH is the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards. It is a registered charity and not for profit organisation supporting the housing sector
  6. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 9454. Out of Office contact the Duty Press Officer via page number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned

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