Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012
408 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure taken by local councils in determining rent increases for tenants in council housing; the way those tenants are notified of the increase; the information that is provided to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30844/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authority rents are set in accordance with a rent scheme adopted by each housing authority. The making and amending of these rent schemes are an integral part of a housing authority's housing management functions, subject to broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT 3/2002 of 6 March 2002 under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966 (as amended). It is a matter for each housing authority to manage information given to tenants in an appropriate and efficient manner. Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 will replace, once commenced, existing provisions in relation to differential rent schemes. Regulations and guidelines for housing authorities in relation to differential rent are currently in preparation in my Department. While it is not the intention to implement a national standardised differential rent scheme, the proposed regulations will more clearly set out the matters that may be included in a local rents scheme, including procedures for rent reviews.
