Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. Unfortunately, I cannot accept amendment No. 8 as it is unnecessary. Section 19(5), referred to in the proposed amendment, provides for limited exemptions from the rent pressure zone rent control, including where a substantial change in nature of the accommodation provided under the tenancy occurs. Section 76 of the Residential Tenancies Act provides, inter alia, that either or both parties to an existing or terminated tenancy of a dwelling may individually or jointly, as appropriate, refer to the RTB for resolution any matter relating to the tenancy in respect of which there is a dispute between them.

Section 78 provides for a non-exhaustive list of particular matters that may be referred to the board for dispute resolution. This section specifically provides that, without prejudice to the generality of section 76, the matters in respect of which disputes and, where appropriate, complaints may be referred to the RTB for resolution include the time at which a review of rent should take place and the amount of rent that should be determined on foot of that review.

The requirements for the rent control exemption to apply in that respect are fair and reasonable. Given that we want to encourage new investment in the private rental sector, satisfying the requirements for a substantial change in the nature of the accommodation provided under the tenancy would constitute a significant investment on the part of a landlord and the exemption from rental control in respect of the first rent setting after such works is warranted. Accordingly, I cannot accept the amendment.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae raised a valid point. The evidence backs up that more than 14,000 landlords have, unfortunately, left the market. When you look at the fragmentation of the rental sector, 86% of landlords have only one or two properties. We have been clear that we need sustainable landlords in the marketplace to provide long-term sustainable tenancies for tenants. We are trying to encourage that through Housing for All and to also stand on the side of those who are in vulnerable settings and trying to rent accommodation through increasing supply in every way we can.

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