Notice to quit in Northern Ireland: how much notice, and how to give it
Most notice-to-quit advice online is written for England. Northern Ireland has its own rules, and the current notice periods have applied since 5 May 2022. Here's what applies here, with a calculator to work out the dates.
Landlord notice periods
4 weeks
Tenancy of 12 months or less
8 weeks
More than 12 months, up to 10 years
12 weeks
More than 10 years
Tenants must give at least 4 weeks (12 weeks after 10 years). Every notice to quit must be in writing.
Notice period calculator
Enter the tenancy start date to see the minimum notice period.
Common mistakes
- Using an English Section 21 or Section 8 template — they have no effect in Northern Ireland.
- Giving notice by text, phone or in conversation instead of in writing.
- Counting the tenancy length from the wrong date, so the notice is too short.
- Treating the end of the notice as permission to change the locks — only a court can order possession.
Questions landlords ask
Does Section 21 apply in Northern Ireland?
No. Section 21 and Section 8 are English law. In Northern Ireland a private tenancy is ended by a written notice to quit under the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, as amended by the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
How much notice must a landlord give?
Since 5 May 2022: 4 weeks if the tenancy has lasted 12 months or less, 8 weeks if it has lasted more than 12 months but not more than 10 years, and 12 weeks if it has lasted more than 10 years.
How much notice must a tenant give?
A tenant must give at least 4 weeks' written notice, or 12 weeks where the tenancy has lasted more than 10 years.
Does the notice have to be in writing?
Yes. A notice to quit must be in writing. A text message or verbal conversation is not a valid notice.
Can the tenant be made to leave when the notice ends?
No. If the tenant doesn't leave when the notice expires, the landlord must apply to the court for a possession order. Removing a tenant without one can be an offence.
Are the rest of your tenancies in order?
Take the free five-question NI compliance check, or keep your tenancy records, notices and rent receipts in one place with RoostNI — free during the beta.
General information only, not legal advice. Rules can change and individual circumstances differ — check the current position on the Department for Communities guidance and nidirect.gov.uk, or speak to a solicitor before serving notice. See also our Tenancy Information Notice guide, rent receipts guide and landlord registration guide.