Legislation protecting private renters extended | Newry Times | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Legislation protecting private renters extended | Newry Times

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that due to the ongoing pandemic she is extending the legislation protecting private renters from eviction to 30 September 2021.

 

Legislation protecting private renters extended - Newry Times newspaper

 

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 and therefore reduce the possibility of tenants in the private rented sector becoming homeless.

 

 

Minister Hargey said, “I am committed to protecting people from eviction during this difficult time.

“My focus in all I do is to support those in most need.

“I introduced this legislation to do just that and to support the wider public health effort.

“This pandemic has been an evolving situation and the legislation was drafted to enable an extension if required. 

 

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“Minister Ní Chuilín moved in August 2020 to extend this protection.

“Given the current public health situation, I consider that it’s important that we continue to give private renters some assurance at this time.

“The legislation will therefore now be extended until 30 September 2021.”

The Minister continued, “I would also stress again the importance of tenants and landlords working together at this time. 

 

 

“It is a two-way process. 

“If as a tenant you are struggling to make payments, the best option is to be upfront and discuss it with your landlord. 

“Landlords are also encouraged not to commence or continue possession proceedings during this challenging time without a very good reason to do so.

“Both are also reminded that my Department funds Housing Rights to provide specialist help and advice to both tenants and landlords.

“They can assist to help resolve disputes and save matters going to court.”

Housing Rights can be contacted online at www.housingadviceni.org/coronavirus or by calling 028 9024 5640.

The Minister continued, “Our focus at this time must be to continue to reduce the cases of coronavirus, and as the vaccine roll-out continues at pace, there is hope for the future. 

 

 

“I will review the legislation in the summer. 

“More generally I will bring forward legislation to the Assembly that will improve the safety, security and quality of the Private Rented Sector.”

 

Keep up to date with all the latest Northern Ireland Coronavirus / Covid-19 news HERE.

 

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Posted by on Mar 2 2021. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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