The proposals form part of the phased implementation of the Private Tenancies Act (NI) 2022, and the DfC is seeking sector views on the practical and operational implications.
Landlords may need advice much further in advance if they intend to regain a property, and agents will need accurate data on tenancy start dates to apply the correct notice period. Notice templates, landlord guidance and client advice will all need to be reviewed - clients will rely on agents for clear, compliant guidance.
As with other reforms across the UK, longer notice periods can also influence landlord confidence and decisions about remaining in the sector.
Propertymark will respond on behalf of members. Input your views by emailing [email protected]. We also encourage individuals to respond and share practical insights from the frontline of tenancy management. We will continue to engage with DfC and update members as proposals develop.
View and respond to the consultation
What is being proposed?
The draft Private Tenancies (Notice to Quit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) would increase the minimum notice landlords must give to tenants who have lived in a property for an extended time.
Standard case notice to quit periods would be as follows:
- Eight weeks for tenancies under 12 months
- Four months for tenancies between 12 months and four years
- Six months for tenancies between three and eight years
- Seven months for tenancies over eight years
Landlords in Northern Ireland will still not need to give a reason for issuing standard case notices to quit; however, there will be a new requirement to issue all notices to quit using a prescribed form.
There will be no change to the notice periods tenants must give to landlords.
Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022
The Act represents the biggest change to housing law in Northern Ireland for years. It reforms the way all landlords and letting agents in Northern Ireland rent their properties.
Special case notice to quit
Exceptions will apply in four circumstances where shorter notice is justified: substantial rent arrears (one month), serious anti-social behaviour (two weeks), conviction of certain criminal offences (two weeks), and possession for occupation by the landlord or their immediate family (three months).
Tenants can challenge special case notices in court, so landlords must be able to evidence their reason for serving notice. The DfC has published guidance which gives definitions and examples of the special case circumstances.
Why is the Northern Ireland Executive pursuing this?
DfC and the Chartered Institute of Housing highlight that the private rented sector in Northern Ireland is increasingly home to people renting for longer stages of their lives. Longer notice periods are intended to reduce housing insecurity for long-term tenants, give households more time to find suitable alternative accommodation, and align notice requirements more closely with the reality of modern renting.
The proposals also respond to concerns about sudden loss of accommodation, particularly where demand for rental homes is high.
Propertymark members have previously emphasised the need for clarity and fairness in notice periods, and that they should reflect the realities of the rental market while protecting both tenants’ and landlords’ interests.
In earlier engagement with notice to quit proposals, we highlighted that notice periods should be proportionate to tenancy duration and that overly lengthy requirements could discourage landlords from offering longer-term tenancies unless appropriate exemptions and safeguards are included.
