Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act

The Government has passed the first reading with regards to amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, specifically focusing on changes to notice periods for tenants in fixed-term and periodic tenancies.

These proposed changes are as follows:

• The reintroduction of the ability for landlords to give notice to end a fixed-term tenancy at the end of the fixed period without providing a specific reason.
• The notice period for tenants ending a periodic tenancy will be reduced to 21 days, down from the current requirement of at least 28 days.
• The reintroduction of the 90-day no-cause termination for periodic tenancies. This means landlords can end a periodic tenancy without providing a specific reason. Currently, landlords can only end a periodic tenancy if they have a specific reason, such as renovations or demolition.
• The notice period for landlords ending a periodic tenancy will be 42 days in cases where:
  • The landlord wants to move themselves or family members into the property.
  • The property is subject to an unconditional sale agreement requiring vacant possession.
  • The property is needed for an employee (this must have been stated in the tenancy agreement when signed).

Disclaimer: These are proposed changes, and until they take effect, the status quo remains. At this stage, the changes are proposed to take effect in early 2025.