P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 10: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will fast-track implementation of new rental standards in homes rented with the aid of rental supplement due to the unacceptable standards in some of these homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18262/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 came into effect generally on 1 February 2009 and are part of a package of Government measures to update and more effectively enforce the minimum standards for rented residential accommodation. As certain aspects of the new regulations could necessitate significant refurbishment works, the application of the provisions concerned to existing tenancies will be subject to a 4-year phasing-in "window", allowing landlords adequate time to make the necessary remedial improvements. However, all provisions of the new regulations are applicable immediately for any rental properties being let for the first time after 1 February 2009.

My Department is in ongoing communication with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, which is responsible for the operation of the rent supplement scheme, through the Community Welfare Service, regarding the need to ensure that rent supplement–supported private rented accommodation meets the requirements of the minimum standards regulations. In addition, my Department has written to all housing authorities to emphasise the importance, in this context, of regular liaison with, and appropriate action between, housing authorities and Community Welfare Officers at local level.

Of course, effective enforcement of the new regulations is critical to their successful implementation. The number of inspections of private rented accommodation by local authorities more than doubled between 2005 and 2007, from 6,815 to over 14,000, supported by dedicated resources provided by my Department from the proceeds of PRTB tenancy registration fees. While the data for 2008 are not yet fully finalised, the available information indicates a further substantial year-on-year increase of more than 20% in inspections last year. I am committed to building further on this progress in the years ahead.