NI Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey is being urged to urgently extend protections for private renters.

SDLP Housing Spokesperson Mark H Durkan confirmed under legislation introduced during the Covid pandemic to protect private tenants, the notice period landlords had to provide before asking tenants to leave their rented property was extended from four weeks to 12 weeks.

The legislation is due to expire in September and Mr Durkan called on the Sinn Fein Minister to secure an extension as soon as possible.

The Foyle MLA commented: "The notice to quit (NTQ) enhancement introduced in response to the Covid pandemic was welcome but as the economic impact of the Covid crisis deepens, it is vital these protections are extended to strengthen the security of private renters. It's the least the Communities Minister can do to protect people in this vulnerable situation. Many are struggling as we try to emerge from the pandemic and the last thing people need is to be turfed out onto the streets.

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"Over the past several months, MLA constituency offices have witnessed a worrying trend in increasing numbers of private tenants receiving notices to quit. In some instances landlords have taken advantage of the booming housing market and decided to sell-up.

"I'm cognisant that these circumstances do not apply to all NTQ cases however it’s clear that such practices are placing strain on an already crumbling housing system. Importantly, many of these private renters have been forced into the sector in the first place due to a lack of social housing stock. This is testament to the need for an urgent housing supply strategy for the North. We have yet to see proper action to address the housing crisis from the Minister, despite Sinn Fein’s constant crowing about the issue in the Republic.

"The incoming Private Tenancies Bill will extend the NTQ period from 4 to 8 weeks for tenancies which are more than 12 months old. However, I’ve called on Minister Hargey to carry forward the temporary coronavirus measures and extend to 12 weeks. Given that this provision will end in September, it’s crucial that an interim arrangement is in place.

"Additionally, having spoken with experts within the housing sector, there are concerns that the 12-month tenancy stipulation could inadvertently create a practice whereby some landlords only grant short term tenancies, exploiting a potential loophole within the legislation to avoid the enhanced NTQ periods."