Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
416. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will make a statement on the adequacy of enforcement powers within the Residential Tenancies Board; and his plans to establish an enforcement bureau within the organisation to ensure that those who subvert legal protections for tenants are addressed. [10430/24]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as quasi-judicial, independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Tenants and registered landlords may refer a matter for dispute resolution under Part 6 of the RTA, where the RTB may award up to €20,000 in damages.
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.
Following recommendations in the RTB Workforce Plan (2018 – 2021), and engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the RTB received sanction for significant additional staff over the past three years. My Department continues to work with the RTB to ensure that it is sufficiently resourced to deliver on its mandate.
The operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022, the residential rental market and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) are kept under constant review by my Department to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
