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Private Rented Accommodation Price Controls

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2015

Thursday, 19 November 2015

Ceisteanna (232)

Eric J. Byrne

Ceist:

232. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41002/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 is currently before the Oireachtas and will introduce a number of provisions which will bring much-needed stability to the rental sector. Amendments in relation to rent will extend the period between reviews of rent; extend the minimum period of notice of new rent; and introduce new requirements in relation to the notification of new rent. The Bill also introduces a number of measures to enable the Private Residential Tenancies Board ( PRTB) to deal effectively with tenants who do not comply with their obligations, including the obligation to pay rent. In addition to this, the Bill will address an issue that has been a cause of concern to landlords by providing that a minor error or defect in a Notice of Termination, that is an error or defect not prejudicial to the tenant, would not invalidate the Notice.

Furthermore, the Bill provides that in future, PRTB Determination Orders will be enforced in the District Court rather than the Circuit Court. This will considerably reduce the expense of enforcing a determination order and should also provide for faster hearings and better enforcement of, for example, rent arrears and anti-social behaviour cases. Finally, tax relief measures, to be introduced in the Finance Bill, will allow landlords who lease to tenants in receipt of social housing supports such as rent supplement or the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), to avail of 100% mortgage interest relief on their borrowings where they commit to accommodating tenants in receipt of the above payments for a minimum period of 3 years.

Taken together, I believe that these measures are a proportionate and balanced response to the current difficulties being experienced in the private rented sector. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 has passed all stages in the Dáil, together with Committee Stage in the Seanad, and will return to the Seanad for Report Stage on Tuesday 24 November.

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