Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
347. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will include the provision of a bin collection service in the minimum standards required for rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11894/21]
View answerMinimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. These regulations focus on tenant safety and include measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties, regardless of tenancy type, comply with these regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
Regulation 11 deals specifically with refuse facilities and provides the following:
11. The house shall have access to suitable and adequate pest and vermin proof refuse storage facilities.
This Regulation does not place an obligation on landlords to pay a tenant’s refuse charges. The disposal of refuse remains the responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise provided for in a tenancy agreement. However, the landlord should ensure that the regulation in relation to refuse storage is complied with, either through providing the facilities or through ensuring, contractually if necessary, that the tenant, or management company where applicable, provides them.
I do not consider it necessary to further strengthen the minimum standards at this stage, but I will continue to keep the matter under review.
