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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Rent reviews under new tenancy rules

Summary

Deputy Bacik raised landlords issuing rent-review notices before the new inflation-linked rules took effect. The Tánaiste said the legislation is not retrospective but would check whether the notices are lawful.

I join the Leas-Cheann Comhairle in expressing thanks to all the staff and on behalf of Labour I wish staff, Members and colleagues a well-earned break.

Last week the Oireachtas passed the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Bill to provide for the linking of rent increases with the rate of inflation. Since then a number of cases have come to my attention and the attention of my colleague, our housing spokesperson, Senator Moynihan, of landlords issuing notices to tenants of rent reviews in advance of the new rules coming into effect. For example, a tenant has been given notice of a rent review to take place under previous rent-pressure zone, RPZ, limits and there are reports of landlords seeking to implement 4% rent increases, including from constituents in my home constituency in Dublin Bay South. Many renters have been in contact with me seeking clarity as to the legality of such a move. I ask the Tánaiste to confirm whether this practice is legal and whether guidance has been provided to the Residential Tendencies Board. Is it legal for landlords to serve notice for rent increases, which are not due to come in for months, above the rate of inflation to get around these measures?

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

It is a pleasure to be here, in Dublin Central. The convention centre is not quite in Dublin Bay South; it is just north of the Liffey.

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I am bilocating.

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I know the feeling; it is hard to know where one is at times given the amount of changes we have had to make.

I will check up on that issue. As the House will be aware, the legislation links future rent increases to the consumer price index, CPI, but it is not retrospective. Legislation of this nature cannot be. I understand the point of the Deputy is raising and I will get advice from the Minister as to whether what she describes is legal.

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