The Department for Social Development (DSD) has overall control and sets the direction of social housing in Northern Ireland. It has regulatory powers over the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Registered Housing Associations and works closely with them in implementing social housing policies.

The Department has oversight of the private rented sector, (i.e. accommodation that is not owned by the Housing Executive or Housing Associations), which is also controlled by the Rent (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

It has set out the Private Rented Strategy which aims to encourage the development of a healthy private rented sector, capable of responding more effectively to housing need in Northern Ireland.

More information on the role of the DSD in social housing is available on the Department for Social Development website.

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