Accessibility statement for Rent Register services
This page only contains information about the Rent Register.
This statement applies to the Rent Register web-based application which is accessible via the NI Direct website.
This application is run by the Department for Communities. It is designed to be used by as many people as possible. The text should be clear and simple to understand.
When accessing the application through the web browser, you should be able to:
- zoom in up to 400 per cent without problems
- navigate most of the application using just a keyboard
- navigate most of the application using speech recognition software
- use most of the application using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)
Some non-standard codes have been used in the development of this site, but these should not affect user experience.
Website accessibility
All efforts have been made to ensure the best User Experience and that this website conforms with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA guidelines. However, parts of this web application are not fully accessible.
As this includes a data entry form, there is no ‘skip to content’ option on any page. The data entry form must be filled in question by question as designed and the inclusion of this option may cause the user to lose all information input prior to submission.
Requesting accessible formats
If you need information in a different format, email the Rent Officer at info.rentofficer@communities-ni.gov.uk and give:
- the web address (URL) of the content
- your name and email address
- the format you need, for example, audio CD, braille, BSL or large print, accessible PDF
Reporting accessibility problems
Rent Register services is always looking to improve the accessibility of this application. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think they are not meeting accessibility requirements, contact them by emailing info.rentofficer@communities-ni.gov.uk and the issue will be investigated.
Enforcement procedure
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’) in Northern Ireland.
If you are not happy with how Rent Register services respond to your complaint, contact The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).
Technical information
DfC is committed to making its website and applications accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. This web-based application is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliance listed below.
Non-accessible content
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations.
The content that is not accessible is outlined below with details of:
- accessibility problems; and
- where it fails the success criteria
Operable
Level A – 1.3.1 Info and Relationships. TalkBack reads every text in the screen that is visible which means that field labels are being read out. Whilst it would be possible to hide field labels, stopping them from being read out, it could be confusing as the text is on the screen and visible.
Rent Register services has no plans to ‘hide the field labels’ as it is not appropriate for the reasons given.
Disproportionate burden
Not applicable.
Compliance of regulations
As a web application published after 23 September 2020 Rent Register Services is required to comply with the web accessibility regulations.
PDFs and other documents
Not applicable.
How this website was tested
This website was tested for compliance using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 level A and level AA, and Microsoft accessibility guidelines. These tests have been carried out externally and independently.
This web application was last tested in February 2024. The test was carried out by Expleo who used the Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM) approach.
Improving accessibility
Maintaining an accessible site is an ongoing process and Rent Register services is continually working to offer an accessible and user-friendly experience.
Date of statement
This statement was prepared on 6 March 2024.