Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1091. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government his policy regarding accumulated arrears in housing units in the rental accommodation scheme; the enforcement action open to a specific local authority to collect those arrears or act against the tenant; if eviction notices can be served on persons in such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38280/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe collection of rent and the management of rent arrears is a matter for the housing authority concerned in accordance with their general management and maintenance responsibilities. RAS involves a three way contractual relationship between landlord, tenant and the housing authority. The housing authority are responsible for payment of the rent to the landlord, and the landlord is contractually obliged to maintain the property in good condition and deal with any repair issues in a timely manner. The tenant also has a contract with the housing authority, whereby they agree to pay a rental contribution to the authority based on the differential rent scheme. In the event that the tenant does not make the rental contribution to the authority, under the terms of the three way agreement the authority may direct that the landlord serve notice to quit on the tenant. If the landlord fails to serve such a notice to quit then this may be a breach of the agreement between the authority and the landlord.
