Private Tenancies Act NI 2022: Key Changes

Published 26 Jun 2026

Whether you're an established letting agent, thinking about starting a letting agency, or adding lettings to your estate agency services, it's important to understand the changes introduced by the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.

The legislation, which came into effect in 2023, introduced several new legal requirements for landlords and letting agents. Here are the key points you need to know:

Key Changes

1. A landlord cannot increase rent within 12 months of granting a tenancy or within 12 months following the date of the last rent increase.
2. A landlord must provide a Tenancy Information Notice to the tenant within 28 days of granting the tenancy.  This must be free of charge.
3. A landlord cannot ask for a tenancy deposit that is more than one month’s rent.
4. A letting agent cannot charge a tenant for certain fees.  Some of these are listed below:
   • Applying for a tenancy
   • Credit checks
   • Deposit administration
   • Tenancy administration

These changes are now part of the law and it is important for landlords and letting agents to ensure they remain compliant.

For full details of the legislation, visit the Department for Communities website:
www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/private-tenancies-act-northern-ireland-2022

For further guidance on tenant fees, deposits and related legislation, visit Housing Rights:
www.housingrights.org.uk/housing-advice/private-tenants-rights/deposits-rent-and-fees