Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
266. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide clarification on who is responsible for investigating complaints and enforcing remedial action in housing provided to local authority housing support applicants by a housing agency, where there is reason to believe the housing may be structurally unsound and potentially a danger to the tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9512/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and 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 supplies. These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let. All landlords, including Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority.
Local authorities regularly select AHB properties for inspection for compliance with the minimum rental standards Regulations. They are also very responsive to requests to inspect private rented dwellings where a tenant believes the standard is not being met and in this regard I would encourage tenants, including AHB tenants, to contact their local authority and request an inspection to assess whether their accommodation meets the minimum requirements. Contact details for all local authorities can be found on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/en/help/departments/#local-authorities
