Whilst we support reforms that provide tenants with greater security, we warn that the reforms could reduce supply in the private rented sector—ultimately impacting affordability and availability for renters. As the DfC considers responses, Propertymark is urging decision-makers to ensure the final framework is practical, fair, and reflective of real-world letting experiences.
Longer tenancies driving reform
Propertymark acknowledged the rationale behind longer notice periods but cited evidence that tenants are remaining in properties for extended durations.
In our consultation response, we evidenced that members report that many tenancies now exceed three years, with wider research suggesting the average tenancy length in Northern Ireland is around four years. However, we warned that increasing notice periods without robust exemptions could have unintended consequences.
Risk of landlords exiting the market
With notice periods potentially rising from eight weeks to six months, Propertymark stressed that landlords must retain confidence in the possession process—particularly in cases involving rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or breaches of tenancy agreements.
Failure to strike the right balance could see landlords leave the sector altogether.
“Landlords who experience negative experiences of evicting tenants may end up selling their property rather than face lengthy void periods where they cannot collect rent.”
This risk is particularly acute in Northern Ireland, where landlords are more likely to own smaller portfolios, making them more vulnerable to lost rental income.
Calls for stronger and clearer exemptions
While supporting the introduction of shorter notice periods in specific circumstances—such as serious rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and criminal offences—we are calling for several key changes to ensure the system works in practice. These include:
- Lowering the rent arrears threshold to allow earlier action against non-paying tenants
- Clearer definitions of anti-social behaviour to prevent misuse and support evidence-based decisions
- Changing the threshold for criminal behaviour from “convicted” to “charged”, due to lengthy court timelines
- Ensuring evidence requirements are practical and consistent, particularly in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland
- Introducing new grounds, including repeat rent arrears and serious or repeated breaches of tenancy agreements
These changes would better protect both landlords and tenants, while maintaining confidence in the system.
Protecting good tenants and communities
Effective possession processes are not only important for landlords but also for tenants. Tenants will also benefit from the confidence that action can be taken against other tenants causing issues. Slow or unclear eviction processes can disrupt other residents in shared properties, allow anti-social behaviour to continue, or undermine tenant confidence in enforcement.
Concerns over implementation and evidence
The consultation also raised practical challenges around evidence gathering—particularly for anti-social behaviour cases.
Propertymark highlighted low confidence among agents in meeting evidential standards and called for greater alignment with policing standards; clearer guidance for agents and landlords; and stronger collaboration between DfC and enforcement bodies.
Safeguards and fairness
While advocating for effective possession routes, we support safeguards to prevent misuse. For example, we recommend restricting landlords from reletting properties for 12 months after regaining possession for personal use. Ensuring tenants have time to repay arrears before eviction proceedings, and providing clear definitions and guidance to avoid unjust evictions, should be included.
Supporting vulnerable groups
Propertymark has also engaged with the consultation’s Equality Impact Assessment, highlighting the need for additional protections for vulnerable groups, with key recommendations to be included:
- Greater support for victims of domestic abuse, particularly where eviction may affect household stability
- Consideration of disabled tenants’ needs, including additional time and support to secure suitable accommodation
- Clearer guidance for handling joint tenancies, ensuring innocent tenants are not unfairly penalised
