Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
853. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to protect tenants whose landlord refuses to renew part four tenancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37688/23]
View answer854. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take to change the law that allows landlords to refuse to renew part four tenancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37689/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 853 and 854 together.
In accordance with both the Programme for Government and Housing for All commitments, the Government has provided for Tenancies of Unlimited Duration through the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021. The Act was signed into law on 11 December 2021.
All new tenancies created on or after 11 June 2022 will become tenancies of unlimited duration once the tenancy has lasted more than 6 months and no notice of termination has been validly served on the tenant. The aim is to enhance security of tenure for tenants and to simplify the operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022.
Section 34(b) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 was deleted by section 5 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021. As existing Part 4/further Part 4 tenancies terminate/expire over time or are renewed, it will involve the creation of a new tenancy of unlimited duration in respect of any such rented dwelling. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 also provides that a landlord may grant his or her consent to any existing tenancy being treated as a tenancy of unlimited duration.
While I have no plans to bring further legislative proposals forward at the moment in this area, it should be noted that the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 is kept under close and constant review. In this regard, my Department is in the final stages of a comprehensive review of the private rental sector. This review will take into account the significant regulatory changes over the past several years in the residential rental market, and will report on how our housing system can be enhanced to provide an efficient, affordable, viable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants. The review included a public consultation process including targeted engagement with various stakeholders. The Public Consultation submission form went live on the Department’s website Monday 26 July. Following on from a Stakeholder engagement forum on the review, which was held on 6 July, the closing date for public consultation submissions was extended to 8 August 2023. Work is progressing on finalising this review.
