Thursday, 8 September 2011

Information for Landlords and Tenants

By Gerry McCarthy


This posting contains guidelines for landlords trying to let and tenants looking to rent in Ireland. If you're a landlord in Ireland, then you'll require a Building Energy Rating or BER certificate if you desire to let your premises. This certificate is compulsory for all houses and apartments being presented for letting from the 1st of Jan 2008. If you don't have a certificate then you need to contact one of the many BER assessors around the country. An average BER certificate for a house will cost more than 150.

As a landlord you need to supply a written letting agreement or lease. All payments made to the landlord, need to be documented by written statement. You must, by law, make sure that your residence complies with specific minimum standards - e.g. free from damp, in good structural repair, cold and hot water, satisfactory ways of heating and ventilation, appliances in good working order, electrical wiring, gas, pipes in good repair. You're obliged to undertake repairs except where damage beyond typical wear and tear has been caused by the renter.

Tenants are entitled to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their house. As a landlord you're permitted enter with your tenant's authorization. Should you have to carry out repairs or inspect the premises, it should be by previous arrangement with your tenant.

You must return promptly any deposit paid by the tenant. The deposit may possibly be retained or reductions made where you can find 1) rent arrears or 2) costs accrued to repair damage above regular deterioration 3) cleaning costs 4) unsettled electric bills.

Any houses which are rented are required by law to be registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board within 28 days of letting. There are some exceptions such as: holiday break lets, where the landlord is a relative of the tenant; where the landlord is resident. For further data it is possible to contact the Private Residential Tenancies Board. Landlords who fail to register are liable to prosecution.




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