Landlords in Northern Ireland have been urged to share their views on proposed extended notice to quit periods.

A public consultation on the Private Tenancies (Notice to Quit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 has been launched as part of the country’s programme of housing reform to improve standards and conditions for private tenants.

The increased notice to quit periods are: eight weeks, if the tenancy has not been in existence for more than 12 months; four months, if the tenancy has been in existence for more than 12 months but not for more than three years; six months, if the tenancy has been in existence for more than three years but not for more than eight years; and seven months if the tenancy has been in existence for more than eight years.

Shorter

Landlords can give a shorter notice period if there are rent arrears (one month), if a tenant has engaged in serious anti-social behaviour (two weeks), if they were convicted of a relevant criminal offence (two weeks) and possession for occupation by the landlord or landlords’ immediate family (three months).

Notice periods are currently four weeks for a tenancy up to 12 months, eight weeks for one-10 years, and 12 weeks for more than 10 years.

Phase

“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,” says Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. “The longer notice periods will greatly increase the security of tenure for individuals and families living in the private rented sector.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks to 29th March and is aimed at tenants, landlords and their representatives, councils and anyone else with an interest in the PRS in Northern Ireland. You can respond here.

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