John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It may be helpful to note the situation where a landlord is seeking to let a non-protected structure.

The landlord cannot seek a rent that is higher than the 4% threshold if the property is in a rent-protected zone and if it has been let within the previous 24 months. This provision for protected structures reduces the 24-month period to 12 months, as outlined by Deputy Ó Broin.

Deputy Ó Broin is a lucky man because I think I know the properties he is speaking of in Clondalkin. Certainly, it is not the intention of this legislation or this amendment to seek to diminish the rights of tenants in any way, shape or form. It is an attempt to ensure that this limited number of protected structures that could be subject to letting are provided for in the legislation. I emphasise to the House that what we are talking about is not a situation where a landlord can, at the end of a tenancy, simply return and charge any rent he wishes to charge. The rent pressure zone limit of 24 months is being reduced to 12 months in the case of protected structures. If a new letting takes place within that 12-month period, then the 4% rent pressure zone limit will still apply.

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