Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 will make it illegal for a tenant to withhold rent while in dispute with a landlord; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5311/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the tenant-landlord relationship in the private rented residential sector. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in the sector including, inter alia , the obligation on a tenant to pay to the landlord, or his or her authorised agent, the rent provided for under the tenancy.

Notwithstanding the legal position in this area , the non-payment of rent during a dispute is an issue of concern in the sector. Accordingly, I intend to address this matter in the context of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2012 which is currently before the Oireachtas.