asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give local authorities additional powers, if necessary, to deal with landlords who allow their premises to deteriorate to such an extent that they destroy the streetscape and/or the neighbouring houses, and if, in view of the fact that many landlords do not reside on the premises they lease, he will ensure that local authorities are empowered to force such landlords to maintain their premises as if it were their own homes.
Written Answers. - Maintenance of Rented Dwellings.
24.
Local authorities have extensive powers under section 70 of the Housing Act, 1966, to deal with rented dwellings which are being allowed to deteriorate. By-laws made under this section require the execution of any repairs necessary to maintain the structure of any rented house and that an adequate standard of cleanliness be maintained in respect of the house. Regulations have been made under section 26 of the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 prescribing standards in regard to the state of repair, amenities, cleanlinless etc. of formerly rent controlled dwellings. In addition local authorities have wide powers, under sections 66 to 69 of the Housing Act, 1966, to deal with unfit houses.
I am, accordingly, satisfied that adequate powers are available to local authorities to deal with the problem mentioned by the Deputy. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind I suggest that he should take it up with the relevant local authority.