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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Bernard Allen

Question:

181 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the first survey of local authorities took place in relation to rent controlled dwellings; the number of postal surveys sent out; the number of replies received; the number of residents in these dwellings who may be affected; the measures his Department is considering to address the issue; the date on which he expects to make proposals to relieve this situation in view of the deadline of July 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17546/02]

In an effort to establish the number of tenants remaining in the sector and their status, local authorities, at the request of my Department, carried out a survey of landlords in March 1999. As the results from this survey were unsatisfactory, local authorities were requested in October 2000 to carry out a further survey directed this time to the tenants. This was supplemented by notices in the national media which alerted tenants to the fact that the survey was being undertaken and asked them to contact their local authority if the authority did not include them in the survey.

A total of 8,489 properties, identified from local authorities' registers of formerly rent controlled dwellings, were surveyed and 5,360 replies were received. Based on the survey results, it is estimated that some 1,700 properties currently remain within the sector, the majority of which are occupied by original tenants and/or their spouses whose right to remain in the dwelling will not be affected. It is estimated that the tenure rights of less than 400 successor tenants nationally were affected by the changes which came into effect in July 2002.
Once protection for successor tenants ceases under the 1982 Act, I am advised that they may be entitled to claim a long equity lease of up to 35 years under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act, 1980. If the landlord is unwilling to grant such a lease, the tenant may apply to the Circuit Court to determine a tenant's entitlement and also to set the rent and other tenancy terms in the absence of agreement between the parties.
A new means tested rent allowance scheme has been introduced by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, following consultation with my Department, to cater specifically for tenants affected by these changes. In addition, an information leaflet outlining the changes affecting the formerly rent controlled sector has been distributed by local authorities to all tenants in the sector and a freephone helpline is also being operated by my Department to assist tenants and landlords.
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