Vol. 456 No. 1
46 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Environment if consideration will be given to introducing statutory minimum standards for tenants in private rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12533/95]
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993, which came into operation for private rented dwellings on 1 January 1994, oblige the landlords of such dwellings, with some exceptions, to ensure that they comply with certain minimum standards relating to structural condition, provision of sinks, toilets, baths/showers, safety of electricity and gas installations, availability of adequate heating, lighting and ventilation, maintenance of common areas etc. Enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of the housing authority for the area in which a rented dwelling is located.
The regulations which I propose to make requiring the registration of private rented dwellings will entail payment of an annual fee for each dwelling. These fees will provide resources to local authorities to assist them in the enforcement generally of the code of regulations applicable to the private rented sector.
