Fine Gael Senator Paschal Donohoe has described the current situation with Dublin rental properties as a ‘crisis’. Figures obtained by Senator Donohoe from the Department of Environment show that out of the 6,379 properties inspected by Local Authorities in Dublin last year 1,575 (25%) do not meet the minimum standards.
“These figures indicate the scale of the problem that people living in and beside rental properties face. A small number of rogue landlords are inflicting misery on tenants and neighbours by completely ignoring the law.”
Figures from the Department of Environment for Dublin Local Authorities indicate a serious problem in relation to the quality of rental accommodation.
“Clear problems exist in relation to the implementation of the law. Some Local Authorities are taking their job seriously, others are not doing enough. This is shown by the fact that the only Dublin local authority that took legal action on problem rental properties was Dublin City Council.
“Action must be taken to deal with this crisis. The new standards on rental properties must be quickly implemented. The Department of the Environment are meant to tie payments from Central Government to the implementation of rental standards. It is clear that this is not being done well enough. The Minister for the Environment must improve this for the sake of both tenants and neighbours.”