The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical installations. They apply to all dwellings let or available to let, not just those with a Housing Assistance Payment assisted tenancy. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
The Government’s overall objective in Housing for All is that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes. Local authorities have a critical public role and duty in ensuring compliance with the standards for rental accommodation so that those wishing to rent can have access to high quality rental accommodation.
With respect to social housing, local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.