asked the Minister for Local Government if it is in order for a local authority tenant to be informed by the local authority that his rent has been increased with retrospective effect; and, if so, if it is intended to change this.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority House Rents.
226.
Generally, the letting agreement which a tenant signs on taking up occupation of a local authority dwelling requires him to notify the local authority of any change in his household income. Where a tenant fails to comply with this requirement, the local authority could adjust the rent appropriately with retrospective effect when the facts become known to them. A decision to change this arrangement, which seems reasonable to me, would be for the local authority who are responsible for the administration of their rent schemes.
Does the Minister think that changing it would be unreasonable?
Yes.
Would it not be a good idea if the local authority were to send out forms at regular intervals to tenants?
It is stated in the tenancy agreement quite clearly that, if there is any substantial change in the tenant's income, he should inform the local authority immediately.
Even so, would it not be a good idea if local authorities inserted notices in the Press to that effect, because people are not aware of this fact at times? They find bills due in respect of rent increases of which they were not aware. It might be a good idea to remind tenants regularly, say twice yearly. Would the Minister recommend that to the local authorities?
I am not too sure that the tenants are not now aware of their obligation—for their own sake—to inform the local authority of changes in income. Some tenants may have been unaware of this at the introduction of the differential rents system and might have overlooked it. This may have given rise to some difficulty, but I think that at this stage most tenants are fully aware of this obligation and of the necessity for them to inform the local authorities. The increased income will come to light in any case in the annual review and it is in their own interests to inform the local authority when there is a substantial increase or decrease so as to ensure their rent is related to the actual income.
Many people do not know this. Many people get court orders before they know where they are—the eviction order is followed by a court order at a very short interval. This is a serious problem for them and twice-yearly notices inserted by the housing authorities would obviate all the difficulties that arise. If that recommendation went to the local authorities it would serve a very useful purpose.
Question No. 227.