Create a legally compliant Private Tenancy Agreement for Northern Ireland in minutes. Fully updated for 2025 including mandatory EICR requirements, rent increase restrictions, and all current NI legislation.
✨ 2025 Updates Included: Mandatory EICR from 1 April 2025 • 12-month gap between rent increases • 3-month notice for rent increases • Length-based notice periods
Important changes came into effect on 1 April 2025 affecting all private tenancies in Northern Ireland:
All private rental properties must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted by a qualified electrician. Required every 5 years or at each change of tenancy.
Rent increases limited to once per year with a minimum 12-month gap between increases. Landlords must give 3 months' written notice of any increase.
Notice to Quit periods now based on tenancy length: 28 days (under 1 year), 56 days (1-10 years), 84 days (10+ years).
Stronger protections against retaliatory evictions, improved complaint procedures, and clearer requirements for landlord obligations and property standards.
A Private Tenancy Agreement is the standard form of tenancy agreement for private residential lettings in Northern Ireland. It is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant(s) that sets out the terms under which the tenant rents the property, including rent amount, deposit, tenancy duration, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
Private tenancies in Northern Ireland are primarily governed by the Private Tenancies Order (Northern Ireland) 2006 and the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, with significant updates taking effect from 1 April 2025.
Private Tenancy Agreements in Northern Ireland may also be referred to as:
Private tenancies in Northern Ireland are governed by specific legislation that provides protections and obligations for both landlords and tenants. Recent updates in 2025 have significantly strengthened tenant protections and landlord responsibilities.
| Legislation | Key Provisions |
|---|---|
| Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (2025 Updates) | • Mandatory EICR from 1 April 2025 • Rent increases limited to once per year with 12-month gap • 3 months' written notice required for rent increases • Length-based notice periods (28/56/84 days) • Enhanced tenant protections against retaliatory eviction |
| Private Tenancies Order (Northern Ireland) 2006 | • Establishes framework for private tenancies • Tenancy deposit protection requirements • Notice to Quit procedures • Tenant rights and landlord obligations • Maximum deposit cap (2 months' rent) |
| Landlord and Tenant Law Amendment Act (Ireland) 1860 (Deasy's Act) | • Basic landlord-tenant relationship framework • Contract principles for tenancies • Historic foundation for NI tenancy law |
| Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 | • Annual gas safety checks required for all gas appliances • Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) must be provided to tenants • Applies to NI as in rest of UK |
| Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (2025 EICR Requirement) | • EICR mandatory from 1 April 2025 • Inspection required every 5 years or at tenancy change • Copy must be provided to tenants • All electrical installations must be safe and tested |
| Smoke Alarm Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 | • Working smoke alarms required on every floor • Carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with solid fuel appliances • Landlord must ensure alarms are working at start of tenancy |
| Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations (NI) 2008 | • Valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) required • Must be provided to prospective tenants before viewing • Minimum energy efficiency standards apply |
| Houses in Multiple Occupation Act (NI) 2016 | • HMO licensing requirements for shared properties • Higher standards for fire safety, facilities, and management • Council enforcement and inspection powers |
All deposits must be protected in a government-approved scheme within 28 days of receipt:
Failure to protect the deposit can result in the landlord being unable to serve a Notice to Quit and potential penalties.
A tenancy with a specific end date (commonly 6 or 12 months). Most common type for initial lettings in Northern Ireland.
A tenancy that runs week-to-week or month-to-month with no fixed end date. Often created when a fixed-term expires.
Multiple tenants share the same tenancy agreement with joint and several liability.
A fixed-term tenancy that includes a clause allowing early termination after a minimum period.
From 2025, Notice to Quit periods in Northern Ireland are based on how long the tenancy has lasted:
These apply to landlords ending periodic tenancies. Tenants generally need to give notice as specified in the agreement (commonly 1 month).
Our agreements are fully updated for 2025, including mandatory EICR requirements, rent increase restrictions, and length-based notice periods. Demonstrates full compliance with current NI law.
Clear terms on rent amount, payment dates, deposit (max 2 months' rent), permitted charges, and rent increase procedures (once per year, 12-month gap, 3 months' notice).
Written agreements provide clear evidence for courts, deposit protection schemes, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Essential for resolving disputes about rent, repairs, or deposit deductions.
Clearly states deposit amount (maximum 2 months' rent), chosen protection scheme (TDS NI or MyDeposits NI), and procedures for deductions. Protects both landlord and tenant interests.
Documents compliance with safety requirements: gas safety certificate, EICR (from 2025), EPC, smoke alarms. Clarifies landlord's repair and maintenance obligations.
A comprehensive, professional agreement builds tenant confidence, demonstrates professionalism, and sets clear expectations for a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Individual property owners renting out residential properties in NI. Our agreements ensure compliance with the Private Tenancies Act 2022 and all 2025 updates including mandatory EICR requirements.
Agents managing properties on behalf of landlords need up-to-date, compliant agreements. Our templates include all 2025 legal requirements and can be used across your portfolio.
New landlords benefit from our comprehensive wizard which guides you through all NI-specific requirements including EICR certificates, deposit protection, rent increase rules, and notice periods.
Landlords with multiple NI properties need consistent, legally compliant agreements across their portfolio. Our templates ensure standardization and compliance with 2025 regulations.
These agreements are NOT suitable for:
Our intelligent wizard guides you through creating a comprehensive NI Private Tenancy Agreement in approximately 10-15 minutes. We ask 70+ questions to ensure your agreement is complete and compliant with 2025 regulations.
Confirmation that you have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (mandatory from 1 April 2025)
Full address, property type, bedrooms, furnished status, white goods included
Deposit amount (max 2 months' rent), chosen scheme (TDS NI or MyDeposits NI)
Fixed-term or periodic, start date, end date (if fixed), break clause options
Rent amount, payment frequency, first payment date, rent increase clause (once per year, 12-month gap)
Gas safety (CP12), EICR, EPC rating, smoke alarms, CO detectors
Who pays rates, utilities, water, TV licence, internet
Full names, addresses, contact details (supports multiple tenants for joint tenancies)
Pets allowed, maximum occupants, children, overnight guests policy
Landlord responsibilities, garden maintenance, repairs reporting, emergency contacts
Inventory provided, professional cleaning requirements, decoration condition
Subletting policy, insurance requirements, communal areas, parking
Notice period for landlord access, inspection frequency, end-of-tenancy viewings
Length-based notice (28/56/84 days), tenant notice period, break clause details
Yes. All adults (18+) who will be living in the property as tenants must be named on the tenancy agreement and must sign it. This is required under Northern Ireland tenancy law and protects both landlords and tenants.
When multiple tenants sign a tenancy agreement, they become jointly and severally liable:
Only tenants need to sign the agreement. Occupants (children, visiting relatives, non-paying guests) do not sign but can be mentioned in the agreement.
| Tenants (Must Sign) | Occupants (Don't Sign) |
|---|---|
| • Adults 18+ living in property • Paying rent or contributing • Have legal tenancy rights • Jointly liable for rent | • Children under 18 • Visiting family/friends • Not paying rent • No legal tenancy rights |
Our wizard asks how many tenants will be living in the property and collects details for each one. The generated agreement automatically includes all tenant names and creates signature blocks for each tenant.
Tenants can end the tenancy by giving proper notice:
Can't end early unless break clause exists or landlord agrees. Must give notice if not renewing (typically 1-2 months before end date).
Give notice as specified in agreement (commonly 1 month). Notice must expire on rent day (e.g., if rent due 1st, notice expires on last day of month).
Landlords must follow strict procedures and length-based notice periods:
Must be in writing, specify correct notice period, state reason if applicable. Tenant has right to challenge in court if improper.
Maximum once per year with a minimum 12-month gap between increases.
3 months' written notice required before rent increase takes effect.
Tenants can challenge excessive increases through proper legal channels.
Official notice from landlord to end a tenancy, with length-based notice periods (28/56/84 days).
Learn More →Formal notice of rent increase (3 months' notice, once per year, 12-month gap required).
Coming SoonDocument property condition at start and end of tenancy for deposit protection.
Coming SoonPre-tenancy form to collect tenant information and references.
Coming SoonYes. Our Private Tenancy Agreements are drafted to comply with the Private Tenancies Order (Northern Ireland) 2006, Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, and all 2025 legal updates including mandatory EICR requirements from 1 April 2025.
From 1 April 2025, key changes include:
The Standard (£9.99) covers all legal essentials for NI tenancies, including 2025 updates, deposit protection, and length-based notice periods.
The Premium (£14.99) adds: comprehensive inventory section with white goods grid, exhaustive terms and conditions (13 detailed clauses), professional gradient styling (NI red theme), enhanced 2025 legal compliance boxes, rights of change clauses, detailed repair obligations, and superior professional presentation.
In Northern Ireland, the maximum deposit is 2 months' rent. Our wizard automatically validates your deposit amount to ensure compliance. You must also protect the deposit in an approved scheme (TDS Northern Ireland or MyDeposits Northern Ireland) within 28 days of receipt.
From 2025, landlords can increase rent once per year with a minimum 12-month gap between increases. You must give 3 months' written notice of any rent increase. Tenants have the right to challenge excessive increases.
Yes, from 1 April 2025. All private rental properties in Northern Ireland must have a valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) conducted by a qualified electrician. The EICR must be renewed every 5 years or at each change of tenancy, whichever comes first. You must provide a copy to your tenants.
From 2025, when landlords end a periodic tenancy, notice periods are based on how long the tenancy has lasted:
Tenants typically give notice as specified in the agreement (commonly 1 month).
It's up to the landlord. Our wizard asks whether pets are allowed, what types, and how many. If you allow pets, you can request a higher deposit (up to the 2 months' rent maximum) or require pet insurance.
Currently, landlord registration is not mandatory in Northern Ireland (unlike Scotland). However, you must comply with all other legal requirements including deposit protection, safety certificates (gas, EICR from 2025, EPC), and proper notice procedures.
Immediately! Our wizard takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Once you've answered all questions and paid, your professionally formatted tenancy agreement is generated instantly and available for download as a PDF. You can print it, email it to tenants, or use it digitally with e-signature services.
Join Northern Ireland landlords who trust Landlord Heaven for 2025-compliant, professional tenancy agreements.
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