A Bill which aims to deliver increased protections for people and families living in the private rented sector is moving forward.

Now at Committee Stage, the Bill features a number of proposed improvements, including restricting rent increases to once in a 12 month period and extending the notice to quit period a landlord must give a tenant. Along with this, the Bill proposes setting limits on tenancy deposit amounts and making it a mandatory requirement for private landlords to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to carry out periodic electrical checks.

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Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "For many the private rented sector provides flexibility, for others it may be while they wait for a social home or one day own their own home. For all those who call the private rented sector home, they deserve safe, secure accommodation.

"I have already extended the emergency legislation I put in place at the start of the pandemic to extend the notice to quit period a landlord must give a tenant to 12 weeks. This will now be in place until May 2022.

"The Bill I am taking through the Assembly will also deliver a number of protections for private renters including a permanent extension to the Notice to Quit period. In the longer term, I will address issues such as letting agent regulation, grounds for eviction and fitness standards."