Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2023
226. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has decided upon an ‘NCT-style’ system for housing, in line with advice from an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12183/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supply. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations and responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations rests with the relevant local authority.
The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. Housing for All sets a target for the inspection of 25% of all registered private residential tenancies. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
While 2022 inspection data in respect of some local authorities is still currently being validated by my Department, circa 49,000 inspections of private rented dwellings were undertaken last year- this represents the highest number ever recorded in a single year.
While Regulations and associated systems are kept under continuous review, I have no plans to change the inspection regime at this time. However, as part of the current review of the private rental market the underlying processes and structures that govern the current rental standards regime will be examined and any changes that can help to deliver high quality rental accommodation to those who live in the private rented sector will be considered.
