Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022
54. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the powers that the Residential Tenancies Board has to protect tenants; and if legislative reforms of the Residential Tenancies Board are being considered. [5236/22]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
Since 1 July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A – Complaints, Investigations and Sanctions – of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords and to impose sanctions, where appropriate. The RTB has the power to impose sanctions if improper conduct by a landlord is found to have occurred, ranging from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.
The powers granted to the RTB since July 2019 has brought about a fundamental change in the operation of the RTB by expanding its regulatory remit. The RTB has set up a dedicated Investigations and Sanctions Unit which includes 15 staff members with a collective experience in conducting civil and criminal investigations in other regulatory and enforcement bodies as well as significant internal knowledge of the RTB and the Residential Tenancies Act.
Following recommendations in the RTB Workforce Plan (2018 – 2021) and engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), the RTB has received sanction for an additional 41 staff since 2019 to ensure that its enhanced powers and additional legislative provisions are fully implemented and enforced, and to advise my Department on any necessary further reform along with its implementation.
