Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
254. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if approved housing bodies have an obligation to register their tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; when this obligation came into effect; and the implications of this obligation on the security of tenants with respect to the four-year tenancy rule. [11811/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 amended section 3 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 so that dwellings let by approved housing bodies (AHBs) to social housing tenants now come within the remit of the Act. The position of these tenants is significantly improved by the change, which commenced on 7 April 2016, as they now benefit from the following:
- Increased security of tenure;
- Access to Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) dispute resolution procedures, including free mediation;
- Binding obligations on AHBs as landlords to, inter alia, register all tenancies, keep dwellings in good repair and allow peaceful occupation.
AHB tenants will automatically gain these rights under Part IV of the Act 6 months after registration of their tenancy with the RTB.
