Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 40, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:"(5) Where a tenant has carried out material improvement works to their dwelling or extended it at their own expense, the value of these improvements will be deducted from the sale price to the tenant.".

What this amendment seeks to achieve is clear. Many tenants who worked hard to improve their homes while renting found they had made the purchase price of their homes more expensive when they sought to buy them. That is unfair. A tenant's work on their home should be recognised and it should not mean they have to pay twice when seeking to buy it as their right. Tenants who are waiting to buy their house look at it for dampness and other repairs but are afraid that if they improve it, the price will be increased when the house is valued.

This would encourage tenants to invest in maintenance of their homes. When they want to purchase their homes later on, they should not be punished for having maintained them and kept them in good working order.