Private Tenants Forum

The Minister for Communities has announced that private landlords will continue to have to serve longer notice periods until 31 March 2021. As a result of emergency legislation, introduced in response to the COVID-19 crisis, private landlord is required to issue 12 weeks notice to quit in all cases if they wish to end a tenancy.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) have both recently published research relating to the experiences of people living in the private rented sector (PRS).  Both organisations have recommended improvements in order to protect tenants from affordability issues and disrepair, and ultimately help prevent people from losing their home.

Officials from the Department for Communities attended our Housing Advice Practitioner’s Forum, to elicit feedback from attendees on their proposals for change to the private rented sector in Northern Ireland.

During the meeting, Department officials outlined the main proposals, which relate to the following key areas: