Communities Minister launches Consultation on Notice to Quit Periods
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has today launched a public consultation on the Private Tenancies (Notice to Quit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025.
The introduction of these Regulations is necessary to allow significantly longer notice to quit periods to apply in Northern Ireland for the benefit of tenants in the private rented sector.
The Minister said the consultation is part of his programme of housing reform to improve standards and conditions for tenants in the private rented sector.
Outlining the consultation, Minister Lyons said:
"This is the next phase of the implementation of the Private Tenancies Act (NI) 2022 and the consultation builds on previous work to improve health and safety standards in private rented properties. The longer notice periods will greatly increase the security of tenure for individuals and families living in the private rented sector."
Before the longer notice periods become law, the Department must set out regulations for those circumstances in which shorter notice to quit periods are appropriate. This is to ensure a balanced approach to private rented sector reform, including that human rights, namely those relating to property and family life are properly taken into account. This consultation, which seeks feedback on the regulations, guidance and an Equality Impact Assessment, looks at four main areas:
- circumstances where longer notice periods would not apply;
- the shorter notice periods associated with each circumstance as set out in the regulations;
- suggestions for evidence to validate a shorter notice to quit; and
- potential mitigating measures to help ensure that shorter notice to quit periods do not adversely impact on vulnerable groups within our society.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks from 5 January to 29 March 2026. This consultation is aimed at tenants, landlords and their representatives, district councils and anyone else with an interest in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.
More information regarding the consultation, including how to respond can be found on the Departmental website.
