The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out the fees to be charged by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for the registration of a tenancy and provides that the PRTB may adjust the fees charged, having regard to changes in the value of money.The registration fee for a tenancy is currently set at €90. Part 4 of the Act provides for security of tenure on the basis of four-year cycles whereby tenancies are deemed terminated at the end of each four year period and a new tenancy then comes into being, assuming the dwelling continues to be let to the same person. The first cycle of these tenancies is known as ‘ Part 4 tenancy’ and each subsequent one is called a ‘further Part 4 tenancy’ in the Act.
Where a tenancy lasts in excess of 4 years, it becomes a ‘further Part 4 tenancy’ and must be re-registered on payment of the €90 registration fee. For the first six months of each tenancy the landlord, subject to conditions of notice, is free to terminate without giving a reason.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill 2012 is currently before the Seanad and makes a number of amendment s to the current fee structure. The Bill provides for the abolition of the fee for re-registering a tenancy after 4 years, as long as the re-registration is done within the specified timeframes. It is hoped that this amendment will encourage long term, stable tenancies in the rented sector.
