asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that exorbitant rents are at present being charged in respect of single rooms by private landlords; and whether he considers that sufficient legal protection is afforded to tenants at present in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rents of Single Rooms.
14.
Mr. O'Leary
Unfurnished lettings of single rooms in houses built before 1941 are still subject to the full control of the Rent Restrictions Acts. Tenants of these rooms in Dublin and the other county boroughs can avail themselves of the special provisions in Part III of the Rent Restrictions Act, 1960, to have their rents provisionally determined by a District Justice with a minimum of formality and expense. The rents of furnished lettings have not been controlled since 1923 and rents of these lettings have been at a high level for a considerable time.
The scope of rent control was recently considered by the House when the Bill of the 1967 Rent Act was being debated. No extension of control is contemplated at present.
Is the Minister aware that single rooms are being let at the rate of £6 per week. There does not appear to be any legal redress for the unfortunate people involved.
These are furnished lettings.
The Minister is aware that one can come within the definition of a furnished letting by putting a chair into a room. The cases are as extreme as that.
We had a very full debate here some months ago on a Rent Restrictions Bill and that Bill went through this House without any division. I do not think there is, therefore, any case for amending legislation.