Private Tenancy Agreement

Ciara Ferguson, MLA, has proposed a Private Members’ Bill banning letting fees charged by landlords and agents in Northern Ireland. Propertymark has responded robustly to the proposals, calling for a fair and balanced approach that protects both tenants and the viability of property businesses. We met Ferguson on 13 May 2025, along with some of our members operating in Northern Ireland, to discuss her aims and to raise concerns from agents.

Following the enactment of Sections 1-6 of the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 on 1 April 2023, the Department for Communities has outlined that two further phases, Sections 8 and 10, will come into force by the end of 2024.

The Department for Communities has announced a delay in the implementation of Sections 1-6 of the Act until 1 April 2023 to give local councils and those affected more time to adjust to the new rules. They were expected to be introduced at the end of December 2022.