SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
The legislation introduce during the pandemic was due to expire in September but has now been extended until May 2022.
The move follows requests from Mr Durkan and others, urging Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to extend this crucial protection for private renters.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I am glad that Minister Hargey has heeded calls from myself and others to extend the 12-week notice to quit enhancement introduced in response to the Covid pandemic.
“As the economic impact of the Covid crisis deepens, it is vital these protections are extended to strengthen security of tenure private renters.
“Having witnessed first-hand the increasing numbers of private tenants receiving notices to quit, this interim extension will no doubt prove vital in the months ahead.”
Mr Durkan added: “The incoming Private Tenancies Bill, I hope will strengthen protections for the Private Rented Sector.
“Importantly, many private renters have been forced into the sector in the first place due to a lack of social housing stock.
“This further evidence of the need for an urgent Housing Supply Strategy for the North.
“I hope Minister Hargey will now take action to remove the cap on Local Housing Allowance rates for private tenants which is currently falling short of actual rental costs.
“Given that rents have increased coupled with the freezing of LHA rates in April, the Department for Communities have created a perfect storm whereby inadequate welfare support is forcing families from their homes due to affordability issues.
“It is imperative that individuals and families who rent privately are safeguarded through legislation so we can ensure more affordable, safe and secure tenancies.”
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