THERE were over 1,200 improvement letters issued to landlords in Donegal following inspections over a nine month period.
New figures from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage reveal that 1,407 inspections of private rented accommodation were carried out by
Donegal County Council between January and the end of September 2023.
Following those inspections 1,288 improvement letters were issued to landlords which outline the issues of non-compliance and a timeframe for the issues to be remedied. The landlord is also advised that a follow up inspection will be organised.
Over that time period five improvement notices were issued to landlords in the county which is the first step in enforcement of the Housing Standards Regulations.
There were no prohibition notices or legal action taken by the Council during that period.
The figures were released following a parliamentary question by Labour party leader Ivana Bacik.
Responding to the question Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said: “The standards for rental accommodation specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. Housing for All sets a target of 25 per cent for the inspection of all private residential tenancies from 2021. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my
Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.”
Across the country local authorities conducted over 49,000 inspections of private rented properties in 2022, up from around 25,000 in 2020 and 20,000 in 2021, when pandemic restrictions had impacted on inspections.
Figures up to the third quarter of 2023 show that the number of inspections continued to increase significantly last year with over 48,000 conducted.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)