Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 595: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason local authority housing tenants must cover the cost of repair to windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35507/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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It is the responsibility of the local authority when letting a dwelling to put in place a tenancy agreement setting out the respective responsibilities of the authority and the tenant for the maintenance and upkeep of the dwelling. This agreement is subject to compliance with statutory provisions and regulations, notably Article 83 of the Housing Regulations 1980.

Included in the provisions of Article 83 is a requirement that the tenant shall be responsible for all internal decoration and any breakage of glass in the windows and any damage to the fixtures or fittings of the house and to make good any damage or breakage without delay. Where any such damage or breakage is made good by the local authority, the tenant is required under the regulations to pay the cost to the authority.