First introduced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey in July, the Private Tenancies Bill contains a number of proposed improvements, including restricting rent increases to once in a 12 month period and setting limits on tenancy deposit amounts. Also outlined in the Bill is plans to extend the notice to quit period a landlord must give a tenant, as well as making it a mandatory requirement for private landlords to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and to carry out periodic electrical checks.
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Speaking as the Bill moves to the second stage, Minister Hargey said: "This Bill will ensure that those renting privately have access to good quality housing with peace of mind over the safety and security of their home. As I said when I introduced the Bill, this is just the beginning of my reform of the housing system. In the longer term I will address issues such as letting agent regulation, grounds for eviction and fitness standards.
"As the sector is increasing in size, and houses a wide variety of people, it is important to make improvements and future proof it to ensure greater protection for private renters.
"This Bill will make the private rented sector a safer and more secure housing option for people living in it by improving the standards and conditions."
The Minister concluded: "I also want to acknowledge that many landlords provide an important source of housing and played an important role in supporting tenants during the pandemic."
