Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2021
64. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to granting reductions in the local property tax for homeowners in developments in which property management fees are to be paid; and if his Department intends to regulate these companies and their fees. [62286/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no Local Property Tax (LPT) relief for those paying management or apartment fees under the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), though such persons may be entitled to an exemption on other grounds or may qualify for a deferral subject to meeting the qualifying conditions. When a person pays a management fee they receive services such as bin collection, maintenance of common areas and a sinking fund for any needed repairs. These are costs that those who do not pay management fees or who live in housing estates that are not subject to management fees must meet from their own means. The 2019 LPT Inter-Departmental Review Group looked at this matter but did not recommend that persons paying management fees be afforded relief in respect of LPT. Moreover, the review did not consider that there was a case for deductibility of such management fees against LPT. I have no plans to introduce such a relief.
The regulation of management companies is not a matter for the Department of Finance. The Programme for Government commits the Government to conduct a review of the existing management company legislation. I understand the Department of Justice will engage with other relevant Departments in relation to taking the appropriate steps to advance this matter.
