The Tenancy Information Notice: what every NI landlord must give tenants
Since the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, every private landlord here must give their tenant a Tenancy Information Notice within 28 days of granting the tenancy — free of charge. Here's what it must contain, and what happens when the details change.
The rules in short
28 days
To give the notice after granting the tenancy
Free
The notice must be provided at no charge
28 days
To give a Notice of Variation after any change
The notice exists to put both sides' rights and responsibilities in writing — rent, deposit, duration, repairs and contact details — so disputes are less likely later.
28-day deadline calculator
Enter the tenancy start date to see the notice deadline.
What the notice must cover
- The rent payable and when it's due
- Deposit details, including the amount and how it's protected
- The duration of the tenancy
- Who is responsible for which repairs
- Notice of termination arrangements
- The landlord's contact details — and the agent's, if there is one
The exact content is prescribed by the Tenancy Information Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023, and the Department for Communities publishes an official template to complete.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the tenancy agreement alone is enough — the notice is a separate legal requirement.
- Missing the 28-day window because the paperwork was left until after move-in.
- Forgetting the Notice of Variation when a phone number, rent arrangement or other detail changes.
- Keeping no dated copy, so there's no evidence the notice was ever given.
Questions landlords ask
What is a Tenancy Information Notice?
A written notice every private landlord in Northern Ireland must give the tenant within 28 days of granting the tenancy. It sets out the rent, deposit details, tenancy duration, repair responsibilities and the landlord's (and any agent's) contact details. It was introduced by the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Is there an official template?
Yes. The Department for Communities publishes a Tenancy Information Notice template, and the information it must contain is prescribed by the Tenancy Information Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023. The notice must be provided free of charge.
What if something changes during the tenancy?
The landlord must give the tenant a Notice of Variation, free of charge, within 28 days of the change — for example a new landlord contact number or a change to the rent arrangements.
Does this apply to tenancies that started before the Act?
Tenants still in a private tenancy on 1 April 2023 who should have received a notice under the old rules must be given a free notice regarding past matters and any variation.
What happens if a landlord doesn't provide one?
Failing to provide the notice is an offence and the district council can take enforcement action. Keeping dated copies of what was given, and when, is the simplest protection.
Keep every tenancy's paperwork in one place
RoostNI's tenancy records keep each tenancy's key dates, documents and rent receipts together — so the 28-day deadlines and Notices of Variation never slip. 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. See also our notice to quit guide, rent receipts guide and landlord registration guide.