Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has opened a public consultation regarding the Private Tenancies (Notice to Quit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, marking a major step in the ongoing reform of the private rented sector.

The proposed regulations aim to introduce significantly longer notice periods for tenants, a move designed to provide greater stability and security of tenure for families and individuals. This initiative is a key component of a broader housing reform programme intended to enhance living standards across the region. Minister Lyons explained that this phase follows the groundwork laid by the Private Tenancies Act (NI) 2022: "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."

While the primary goal is to extend notice periods, the Department must also define specific circumstances where shorter notice to quit periods remain appropriate. This "balanced approach" is intended to protect human rights related to property and family life.

The consultation specifically invites views on four core areas:

• Identifying scenarios where the standard longer notice periods should not apply.

• Determining the appropriate length for shorter notice periods in those specific cases.

• Deciding what evidence should be required to justify a shorter notice period.

• Developing measures to ensure that shorter notice periods do not unfairly affect vulnerable groups.

The consultation period began on 5 January and will remain open for 12 weeks, concluding on 29 March 2026. The Department is encouraging tenants, landlords, district councils, and representative bodies to participate and help shape the final regulations.