Hargey consults to increase protections for people and families at risk of eviction

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has today launched a public consultation on proposals to increase the safety net for tenants in the private rented sector in relation to evictions.

Minister Hargey said:

“The private rented sector is home to twice as many families with children than social housing.  Under current legislation private renters can be asked to leave their home at short notice with little or no time to find suitable, affordable accommodation. I want to change that and protect renters, that’s why I am currently progressing a Bill through the Assembly to increase protections.

“My Bill gives people and families more security in their own homes.  The Bill will provide longer Notice to Quit – the period of notice given to someone to leave their home.  It also contains powers to strengthen these protections even more.

“This consultation seeks your views on a number of options for the length of notice people and families should get when being asked to leave their home.  It will inform the Current Bill as it progresses and any future use of the powers the Bill contains to lengthen notice periods. I would encourage you to take this opportunity to respond to help shape the future of the private rented sector, increasing protections for people and families who call it home.”

The Private Tenancies Bill which is currently making its way through the Assembly contains a clause to increase the Notice to Quit period that a landlord is required to give a tenant to 8 weeks for tenancies lasting more than 12 months up to 10 years. The Bill also amends the Notice to Quit that a tenant has to give to 4 weeks if the tenancy has not been in existence for more than 10 years.

The consultation will run from 01 December 2021 until 25 January 2022 and is available 

Notes to editors: 

1. The consultation is available online and hardcopy responses will also be accepted.
2. The Coronavirus Emergency Legislation, in place to May 2022, requires a landlord to give 12 weeks Notice to Quit no matter the length of the tenancy.
3. The consultation is supported by research by the Chartered Institute of Housing
4. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office 
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
6. Follow us on twitter @CommunitiesNI

Share this page