Legislation which protects private renters from eviction has been extended to next year.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey announced the extension of the Private Tenancies (Coronavirus Modifications) Act, running until 04 May 2022.

The legislation, introduced at the start of the pandemic, 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 and after a review, the Minister has taken the decision that it should be extended further until 04 May 2022 to protect renters in the private rented sector.

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Minister 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."

The Minister has recently introduced a Private Tenancies Bill in to the Assembly. The Minister intends that this new Bill will deliver a number of protections for private renters including a permanent extension to the Notice to Quit period.