Concerns Over Reduced Notice Periods and Impact on Children
Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) has responded to the Department’s consultation on Notice to Quit (NTQ) periods, welcoming proposals to extend notice periods as a positive step toward improving housing security for tenants and families.
However, CiNI raises significant concerns about proposals to introduce reduced NTQ periods of just two weeks in ‘special cases’. CiNI warns that such short notice periods are insufficient for families to secure alternative accommodation and risk increasing homelessness, particularly among vulnerable households.
CiNI highlights the clear evidence that homelessness has serious and lasting impacts on children, including poorer mental health, disrupted education, and increased exposure to harm. The organisation is concerned that these proposals could disproportionately affect low-income families and take a punitive approach to complex issues.
CiNI also notes that reduced NTQ periods would be inconsistent with existing strategies that prioritise prevention and early intervention.
Our recommendations
CiNI strongly recommends that the Department does not proceed with reduced NTQ periods under any circumstances. Instead, existing minimum notice periods should be maintained, alongside strengthened safeguards, access to independent advice, and a focus on tenancy sustainment.
We further recommend that a comprehensive Equality Impact Assessment and Child Rights Impact Assessment are undertaken to fully consider and mitigate the potential impacts on children and families.
Concerns Over Reduced Notice Periods and Impact on Children
Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) has responded to the Department’s consultation on Notice to Quit (NTQ) periods, welcoming proposals to extend notice periods as a positive step toward improving housing security for tenants and families.
However, CiNI raises significant concerns about proposals to introduce reduced NTQ periods of just two weeks in ‘special cases’. CiNI warns that such short notice periods are insufficient for families to secure alternative accommodation and risk increasing homelessness, particularly among vulnerable households.
CiNI highlights the clear evidence that homelessness has serious and lasting impacts on children, including poorer mental health, disrupted education, and increased exposure to harm. The organisation is concerned that these proposals could disproportionately affect low-income families and take a punitive approach to complex issues.
CiNI also notes that reduced NTQ periods would be inconsistent with existing strategies that prioritise prevention and early intervention.
Our recommendations
CiNI strongly recommends that the Department does not proceed with reduced NTQ periods under any circumstances. Instead, existing minimum notice periods should be maintained, alongside strengthened safeguards, access to independent advice, and a focus on tenancy sustainment.
We further recommend that a comprehensive Equality Impact Assessment and Child Rights Impact Assessment are undertaken to fully consider and mitigate the potential impacts on children and families.
