Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While the RTB was copied with 5,735 notices of termination in the second quarter of 2023 by landlords and also recorded 15,000 applications for new tenancy registrations during that period. There is a natural churn of activity through residential rental accommodation.

In addition to the 15,000 applications to register a new tenancy in the second quarter, the RTB received 43,000 applications to renew the registration of a private tenancies and 16,600 applications to renew AHB tenancies, which is an annual requirement for existing tenancies. It is also worth noting that not all notices of termination served and copied to the RTB will be valid and if a tenant wishes to refer a dispute to the RTB.

Deputy Paul Murphy referred to the tenant in situ scheme. There are approximately 2,000 such tenant in situpurchases at various stages and 800 have been completed. The balance are at various stages. There is no limit on that scheme. It is there to help those who have been served eviction notices, who are in receipt of HAP or RAS. Others who are renting can also get their houses purchased by the State too. Where the tenants are above the social housing income eligibility limits but below the cost rental income eligibility ceilings, €66,000 or less in Dublin and €59,000 in the rest of the country, the Housing Agency can purchase the home. That is hugely important. Where the tenants wish to purchase the home from the landlord but do not have the requisite finance they can apply to the first home scheme.

It is important to note that a valid notice of termination must be served in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2022. It can be assumed that a proportion of tenants in receipt of such notices are benefiting from Government supports such as the tenant in situscheme.

The programme for Government recognises the important role the private rented sector plays in housing many people and will continue to play into the future. The Government will address challenges in this sector including standards, security and affordability for renters.

The Government recognises that there is a need to urgently and substantially scale up housing delivery, including emergency accommodation, affordable housing, cost-rental accommodation and social housing, including via acquisitions. This will clearly take pressure off the rental market.

Improving the standards, security and affordability for renters is a priority for me and for the Government. We are making significant changes in recognition that tenants continue to face persistent pressures in the rental and housing markets. Our approach to change must continue to be carefully balanced. We must recognise that we need landlords to provide a steady supply of rental accommodation and for that sector to be on a sound footing for both tenants and landlords.

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