asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that landlords of furnished dwellings are charging exorbitant rents; and that the tenants have no security of tenure; if any tribunal exists to which such tenants may appeal in order to secure fair terms; and, if not, if he will consider setting up such a tribunal.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Rents of Furnished Dwellings.
117.
I am aware that there has been an increase in the rents of furnished dwellings in recent years but I have not received complaints of exorbitant rents. There has been no control of furnished lettings since 1923, even during the war and immediate post-war years when accommodation was much scarcer that it is now, and I do not consider that any extension of controls to these lettings would be justified.
I have received several letters stating that exorbitant rents are being charged. Is the Minister aware of what it means when a family is trying to get housing and must accept this type of rent? I put it to the Minister that advantage is being taken of them. In England, there is a certain control. The rents charged depend on the type of furniture and the size and location of the place. The Minister should consider that.
I have said that at no time since 1923 have furnished lettings been controlled. The Deputy is aware that on many occasions between 1923 and now, accommodation was much scarcer than it is at present. I cannot see how we could justify introducing controls at this stage.
Will the Minister undertake to investigate complaints about exorbitant rents?
I have a function in regard to complaints as to exorbitant rents where dwellings are controlled, but I have no function to investigate complaints in regard to uncontrolled lettings.
They can rob people and there is nothing to stop them.
So far, as there is a reasonably free market——
There is no such free market.
——in the accommodation available, I do not see how they can charge anything they like.
Can the Minister indicate what protection there is for people who are tenants of uncontrolled dwellings and do not know the law?
When people go into furnished dwellings, they go into dwellings which are uncontrolled. Anyone in that situation would be well advised to have a written agreement as to the conditions under which he goes in.
Does the Minister think that written agreements are immediately understandable to the unfortunate persons who enter into them?
I am not saying that. The Deputy asked me what protection could they get. I say they should try to get for themselves, when going into such accommodation, the protection of a written agreement——
They will not get it.
——drawn up by a solicitor, if possible.
They will get no accommodation.