asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that when leases expire ground rent landlords demand an excessively high revised ground rent from the tenant and that in many cases the right of these individuals to any rent is very doubtful; and, if so, if he will have the matter investigated and, if necessary, introduce proposals for legislation to prevent such extortionate demands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revised Ground Rents.
Mr. Boland
Part V of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1931, as amended, gives a right to a person holding under a building lease, or a sub-lease under a building lease, to have their leases renewed on terms which, in default of agreement, are to be settled by the court.
I understand that the Rents and Leaseholds Commission will shortly be in a position to proceed with their inquiry into the working of Part V of the 1931 Act, and I suggest that the Deputy should bring to the notice of the commission any complaints as to the operation of Part V of which he is aware. Pending the receipt of the commission's report, I do not intend to initiate proposals for the amendment of the existing law on this subject.
Is the Minister not aware that there is a great deal of racketeering going on in this matter, that there are certain people demanding and extorting rents from people, and that it is very doubtful if there is anybody entitled to those rents? Is he aware that, in respect to ground landlordism there is this question to be considered: That some firm of solicitors will forward a demand for rent to some unfortunate widow or to some unfortunate person living in a house, and that, in fear of being sued, they will pay the rent to the firm of solicitors? Those people will pay it because they cannot afford to find out whether the ground rent is due to particular individuals or not.
Mr. Boland
All that I can say is that the matter is under consideration. A report will be issued in due course. If there is anybody who knows of any anomalies in connection with this matter then, I suggest, they ought to send in whatever evidence they have and get it examined by the commission which is sitting, and see what will happen.
Is the Minister aware that very big amounts of money are being collected in respect of ground rents for mythical estates? These rents are paid into some firm of solicitors and nobody knows where they are going. When the term of the rent expires, the collector extorts double, treble and sometimes quadruple the old rent. Will the Minister agree to discuss this matter with a deputation from this House, which can put details before him in respect of various aspects of this question to see what can be done?
Mr. Boland
In view of the fact that there is a committee examining the matter, would it not be better to approach it? Could the Deputy not get a deputation to present whatever case he has before the committee, which was appointed by the last Government? I suggest that he should get the matter examined by that committee, and let it make a recommendation. I think that is the best way out. We have that opportunity of getting this matter examined and getting an opinion on it.
Was the commission set up only to deal with questions arising out of the raising of ground rents?
Mr. Boland
And the renewal of leases.
I suggest that the only way to tackle this question of ground rents is the way that I suggested last week.