Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1574. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when legislation will be brought forward for the implementation of longer term leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15914/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2016 set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in the private rented sector. The Acts apply to tenancies of up to 35 years in duration. I consider a 35-year lease to be a long-term lease and I have no plans to alter the current application of the Act in this regard.

The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. 

Under Action 7 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, the Government is committed to encouraging longer-term letting by amending the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations to allow for unfurnished lettings in the case of long leases, with the objective of providing incentives to landlords who offer long term leases. Draft revised Regulations in this regard are at an advanced stage of preparation.

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 extended the term of Part 4 tenancies from 4 to 6 years as a first step in the move to tenancies of indefinite duration, which is being considered in the context of proposed legislative change later this year.