Sinn Féin to table PMB on private rental sector standards

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that Sinn Féin will use its Private Members Time next Tuesday to discuss the failure of local and central Government to adequately enforce minimum standards in the private rental sector.

The PMB, drafted following the revelations contained in last night’s RTÉ Investigates Nightmare To Let documentary, will call for greater resources for Local Authorities to inspect rental properties, an NCT type registration system for landlords and tougher sanctions for landlords who refuse to register their tenancies or meet minimum standards.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“The issue of poor standards in the private rental sector is not new. For many years organisations such as Threshold, Government agencies such as the National Oversight and Audit Commission and political parties including Sinn Féin have been raising the issue of poor standards and inadequate enforcement.

“The RTÉ Investigates documentary Nightmare To Let has once again highlighted the need for greater action from central and local government.

“In the first instance we need to see tougher enforcement of existing regulations and standards. The low level of Council inspections in simply not acceptable. Additional resources needs to be provided to enable Councils to carry out this crucial task.

“There is also a need for changes to the regulations including the introduction of a NCT type registration scheme for landlords as proposed by Threshold as well as tougher sanctions for landlords who refuse to register their tenancies or meet minimum standards.

“Next week TDs from all sides of the house will have an opportunity to stand with the thousands of tenants who are currently living in unsafe and substandard accommodation and to support a motion that if acted upon would represent a real step change in the regulation and operation of the private rental sector.”

Note: Please see attached the PMB