Residential Tenancies Bill could do so much more to keep people in their homes

Labour Party Housing spokesperson, Jan O’Sullivan TD, speaking in the Dáil on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, called it a missed opportunity to make real change to the insecurity facing so many people in the private rental sector.

Deputy O’Sullivan said:

“It could have ended the planned sale of the property as a reason to evict tenants and it could have widened the scope of Rent Pressure Zones and closed the loopholes that are being used to put up rents above 4%; it could have provided for a transparent register of rents so that new tenants would know how much the previous tenant paid; it could put a limit on deposits.

“More and more of the families becoming homeless are coming from privately rented properties and this was a golden opportunity to take every measure possible to keep them in their homes.

“Some measures are welcome including stronger powers for the RTB and longer notice periods.

“However, to make a real impact, the Minister will need to accept amendments and to listen to organisations like Threshold who hear daily the voices of those directly affected.

“Otherwise, the Bill will only make a marginal difference on the most acute social issue for Ireland.”