Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
390 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate a street (details supplied) in Dublin 8 where only one dwelling is now registered as a private rented dwelling on this street; the options that are available to residents on the street to ensure that landlords manage their houses properly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26642/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Landlords are obliged to register their tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and have until 1 December 2004 to register tenancies in existence at 1 September 2004. The board has responsibility for pursuing compliance with the registration requirement. A wide range of action to promote registration is being undertaken including information, publicity and direct contact with landlords. Unregistered accommodation will also come to attention where tenants refer disputes to the board. A double fee will apply to late registrations and conviction for an offence relating to registration requirements, will carry a fine of up to €3,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both, along with a daily fine, of up to €250 for continuing non-compliance.
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 prescribes various obligations of landlords and tenants, including an obligation on landlords to enforce tenants' obligations where a person, such as a neighbour, would be adversely affected by a failure to do so. Complaints regarding failure to comply with obligations can be referred to the Private Residential Tenancies Board under provisions of the Act to be commenced shortly. Third parties affected will have a right to refer a complaint against a landlord who has failed to enforce a tenant's obligations. The board can direct the landlord to ensure that the tenants comply with their obligations and if necessary, enforce compliance through the courts.
Complaints relating to the standard or condition of particular properties can be made to the relevant local authority, Dublin City Council in the case of the street in question. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993, including inspection of premises, notifying landlords of necessary improvements and, where appropriate, instituting court proceedings. The regulations prescribe minimum physical standards of private rented accommodation, including maintenance of dwellings in good repair, and require common areas, yards, forecourts and items such as walls and fences to be kept in good repair and clean condition. Conviction for an offence in relation to accommodation standards carries a fine of up to €3,000 and up to €250 for each day of a continuing offence.
