NI government extends longer eviction notice periods until May 2022

She 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.

“While 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.”

In May, the minister laid out plans to introduce a Private Tenancies Bill containing stronger permanent protections for renters, including longer notice periods and a requirement for written tenancy agreements.

Housing associations and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive pledged in March last year not to evict anyone struggling to pay their rent during the pandemic.

Nicola McCrudden, chief executive of Council for the Homeless, which represents homelessness organisations in Northern Ireland, said: “Social housing tenants have more security than those in the private rented sector. We were concerned about the consequences of the interim 12 weeks extension period running out.

“With furlough ending and the potential removal of the £20 uplift in Universal Credit many private tenants could find themselves in financial difficulty and vulnerable to becoming homeless, so this announcement is both welcome and timely.

“Measures which will help private renters either remain in a property or have a longer period to find alternative accommodation will help to prevent more households becoming homeless.”