Northern Ireland’s private renters to be protected from eviction until May 2022

Northern Ireland's private renters to be protected from eviction until May 2022

Deirdre Hargey

Private renters in Northern Ireland will be protected from eviction until May 2022 following an extension of Covid-19 laws.

The Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Act requires landlords to give tenants a 12-week notice to quit period before seeking a court order to begin proceedings to evict.

The legislation was due to expire on 30 September, but communities minister Deirdre Hargey said she had decided following a review that it should be extended further until 4 May 2022.

Ms Hargey said: “I have considered very carefully the balance between landlords’ interests as property owners and the protection of those in need during this pandemic to ensure people are not facing eviction in this challenging time.

“Whilst it is clear that the overall situation is greatly improved from the beginning of the pandemic, there is still some way to go. I’m mindful of the economic disruption which may emerge as other protections unwind.

“As ever, I would encourage landlords and tenants to continue to work together during this period to avoid the need for commencing or pursuing possession proceedings in what remains a difficult time.”

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