Written answers

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Department of Justice and Equality

Ground Rents

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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615. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to review the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1967 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7377/25]

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Awaiting reply from Department

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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616. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to review the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act, 1967 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7377/25]

Photo of Jim O'CallaghanJim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The rights of tenants occupying property under long leases has long been a topic of interest. Such tenants normally pay a yearly ground rent to the landlord. Several statutory changes since the 1960s have strengthened the rights of tenants occupying property under long leases to acquire the freehold in the property.

The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act 1967 gave tenants in certain cases, both business and residential, the right to acquire the freehold estate in the property. The Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act 1978 prohibited the creation of new ground rents in respect of dwellings; leases after that date are only valid if they operate as a renewal of an existing lease.

In cases where the lease will not expire for at least 15 years, the purchase price is generally based on a multiple of the annual ground rent. A notice procedure provided for under the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act 1967 must be used where the lease covers buildings which were not constructed and used as dwellings. The acquisition of the fee simple is effected by means of a Deed of Transfer or Conveyance.

Tailte Éireann currently administers a low cost scheme for tenants acquiring the freehold of dwelling houses. This scheme is provided for under the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No.2) Act 1978.

There are currently no plans to review the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Act 1967.

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