Local Authority Housing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005

Tuesday, 25 October 2005

Questions (536)

Michael Ring

Question:

610 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation in relation to the formerly occupied houses being reallocated by the local authorities; the required condition of the property; if the new tenant is expected to paint, wash and clean the house to get it ready for occupation or if that is the responsibility of the local authority; and if he will provide a copy of the guidelines which specify the condition a property must be in for reallocation. [30254/05]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern)

The management and control of local authority dwellings is vested in and exercised by the housing authority concerned subject to compliance with regulations and statutory provisions. The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 lay down minimum physical standards which the dwelling must meet.

The development of policy and procedures for re-lets is a matter for the individual housing authority. The housing unit has published a series of guidelines for local authorities on good practice in housing management. The series includes Managing Voids: Co-ordinating the Monitoring Repair and Allocation of Vacant Dwellings which is available on the unit's website www.housingunit.ie.