Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Private Residential Tenancies Board has been given a four-year period of grace on rented properties before an energy ratings certificate is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3954/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), an independent statutory body established under the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, has no function with regard to the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 or the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006-2008. The Board's principal functions include the resolution of disputes between tenants and landlords, the registration of tenancies, and the provision of policy advice to me in relation to the private rented sector.

The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 prescribe minimum standards for rented accommodation and came into effect generally on 1 February 2009. These regulations specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light and safety of gas and electrical supply. Certain elements of the new Regulations will not come into effect for existing rental accommodation until 1 February 2013 to allow time for the carrying out of the significant remedial work that may be involved in achieving compliance. The aspects covered by these provisions — sanitary facilities, heating facilities and food preparation and storage and laundry — will therefore continue to be subject to the relevant provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Housing) Regulations 1993 until then, in so far as existing rental accommodation is concerned. However, any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009 will have to comply with all the requirements of the new Regulations.

The provision of a Building Energy Rating Certificate for all houses offered for sale or letting is mandatory since 1 January 2009, on foot of the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006-2008. This Certificate is unconnected to the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008.