asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that a great many tenants of houses which were built since 7th May, 1941, are now being charged excessive increases of rents; and, if so, what steps he intends to take to protect those tenants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rent Increases.
The Rent Restrictions Act, 1946, which contains the present law in relation to rent control, is due to expire on the 31st December, 1950. Pending a review of the position generally, which it would be necessary to undertake before the Act expires, I do not propose to take any steps to extend control to houses or premises that are outside the scope of the existing legislation.
Will the Minister ensure, when introducing new legislation, that the rents charged will be in relation to the rents charged when these houses were first let, and in relation to the capital cost of the buildings themselves?
The Deputy must wait until the position is reviewed. I must not be taken as accepting the implication contained in the question that rents now are too high. I am not aware that they are too high and I shall not accept any such opinion until the matter is reviewed. I would like to remind the Deputy that the Act was only passed in 1946 and I am sure the position was very fully examined then.
I understand that. I am sure the Minister is aware of the reason for the passing of that Act. It was to encourage the building of houses. It was to ensure that rents would not soar to too high a figure that the Act was limited to 1950. Apparently there are people taking advantage of it now to raise rents as high as possible and a new Act would be required to deal with the situation. I ask the Minister to take precautions when he is introducing such new legislation to ensure that the rents will be in relation to those charged when the properties were first let.