David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am almost finished. The writer continues:

I could increase the number of bedrooms by converting the attic. Planning permission has already been obtained for the same. However, I will not achieve the 25% increase.

The correspondent asks that the required increase be reduced to 15%.

I am making the case for this amendment in the context of the considerable distress in which some landlords find themselves. I did not refer to the people who contacted me who have six or 12 properties as their situation is not the chief cause of my concern. My concern is for the individuals operating on a small scale, who have taken out an investment with a view to guaranteeing their old age but are now facing these restrictions. As a landlord, I usually had very nice tenants and I never put up the rent. Now, when I am re-letting, I am faced with only being able to increase it by 4%. I do not mind all that much because I am not dependent on the income, but there are elderly people who are dependent on the rent they receive. I ask the Minister to take them into account in the legislation.