Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

380. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered introducing a residential rental scheme similar to the model used in some European countries where, legally, rents can only vary or increase in line with inflation or the consumer price index; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44894/13]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Private residential tenancies, with limited exceptions, are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the main provisions in respect of rent and rent reviews are set out in Part III of that Act. Section 19 of the Act prohibits the setting of rent under a tenancy at a rate above the market rent at either the beginning of the tenancy or at any subsequent rent review. Both tenants and landlords have the right to a review of rent, even where there is no provision to that effect in the tenancy agreement. Such a review may not take place more frequently than once in each period of 12 months nor in the first 12 months of the tenancy.

If non-compliance with the provisions of the Act relating to rent and rent reviews lead s to a dispute between landlord and tenant, either or both of the parties to the tenancy may refer the matter to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) for resolution. The PRTB, as an independent statutory body, will adjudicate each dispute on its own facts and merits, and may grant redress and give specific direction as appropriate on foot of a determination.

In May 2013, the PRTB launched a national rent index available at . Compiled by the ESRI and based on the PRTB's own register of over 277,000 tenancies, this valuable source of information indicates the actual rents being paid for rented properties throughout the State.