Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
336. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how his Department will ensure the enforceability of the definition for ‘student accommodation’, as provided for in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended by the Residential Tenancies Act 2019 (details supplied). [7151/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMinister O’Brien and I have asked our officials to engage with each other on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. While there may be a market for 51 week leases among some members of the student population, it is not desirable for the vast majority of the student population. We have asked our officials to establish the circumstances of the 51 week leases and consider what action may follow.
I have no function or remit in the operational matters of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) which is an independent quasi-judicial body with responsibility for rental contracts. I would advise any student with specific concerns or issues in relation to this matter to contact the RTB directly in the first instance.
