Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2017
265. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the process, Department circulars and policy that local authorities must adhere to in carrying out rent reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5428/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason hundreds of social housing tenants in Waterford city and county have received letters advising of significant back rent liabilities; the action being taken to assist the families involved; if a delay in processing changes of circumstances forms by the council is in part responsible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5429/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra267. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on whether it is fair that local authority tenants who submitted changes in circumstances forms to Waterford City and County Council regarding a rent review in March 2016 only had their revised rent rates, including significant rent arrears, processed in December 2016 and January 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5430/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 265 to 267, inclusive, together.
The reviewing of local authority housing rents and the collection of rents from tenants is a matter for individual local authorities and I, as Minister, have no function in the matter.
Guidelines entitled “Rent Assessment, Collection, Accounting and Arrears Control” were published by the Housing Unit (which subsequently became part of the Housing Agency) in January 2001. These guidelines, developed in conjunction with my Department and the City and County Management Association, set out good practice in the administration of rent related matters. The Guidelines stated that local authorities should review the rent assessment of all existing tenants at least annually to ensure that all tenants are paying the correct rent and to update rents to reflect changes in tenants’ incomes and in housing management costs.
It will normally be a part of the tenancy agreement that the tenant should inform the local authority of any change in circumstances, including increases in family income. When this is done by the tenant, any change in rent that is warranted can be applied promptly.
The above Guidelines also state that arrangements for the repayment of rent arrears should be determined primarily by the tenants’ ability to pay.
