29th March, 2021 Question: My tenant is currently working from home due to Covid-19, and due to being in the property a lot more has noticed/advised me of condensation in different rooms. This has never occurred in previous tenancies; how should I resolve this problem?   Response: Condensation in properties needs checking out. Condensation is not a hazard itself and is unlikely to be a serious defect in the property. However, condensation may lead to issues relating to damp and mould growth, both of which could be considered a problem for the property and tenant. To avoid this, we suggest it should
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29th January 2021 Question My Tenant has not paid any rent since the first Covid-19 Lockdown in March 2020.  As of the 25th of January 2021, I have received no rent in 10 months. During this period, I have not received any self-declaration from the Tenant, and I believe them to be working full-time from my property. Are the tenants protected or can I terminate this tenancy?   Response: From the information provided, the tenants are not protected and yes, you can terminate this tenancy. The new protections do not apply to a tenant who, on the 10th of January
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12th January 2021 Question: I served notice on my tenants as I unexpectedly had to return from abroad.    The tenants were in the property 3 months and I served notice on the 3rd December with a vacation date of the 29th January 2021.  The tenants have told me that they can stay in the property.  Is this true? Response: Level 5 restrictions recommenced on the 30th December 2020.  This pauses your notice of termination.  The duration of any Emergency Period will not count as part of any termination notice period given.  A revised termination date will apply and shall factor
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17th November, 2020 Question A rent review on my property was due to occur during the Covid-19 emergency period (27th March to 1st August 2020). I did not conduct this review. Can I increase the rent now – Is the tenant now required to pay the new rent? Response Rent increases were not permitted to come into effect during the emergency period (27th March to 1st August 2020). However, from 2 August 2020, rent reviews/increases can take effect as normal for tenants who have not been financially impacted by COVID-19. You must follow the usual rent setting and review rules
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Question: My tenant is not paying any rent and is uncontactable.  I have followed the Covid-19 rent arrears procedure serving the warning letter to both tenant and RTB and  the notice of termination giving 28 days again to the tenant and copied the RTB.  If the tenant serves a Self-Declaration Form on me now, is there a requirement for me to re-issue the notice of termination giving 90 days?   Response: We are sorry to hear your difficulty.  You will not have  to reissue the notice of termination.  The termination period must be extended pursuant to the protections obtained by
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Question: I have run into difficulty in the past due to my own negligence in vetting and selecting tenants. I want to be as thorough as possible – would it be discriminatory for me to ask a prospective tenant if they had a criminal record? Response: This question was emailed to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and they outlined the specific grounds for discrimination covered by the Act (The Equal Status Acts (2000-2015)). Asking a prospective tenant if they have a criminal record is not contained in the grounds that are classed as discriminatory. For more information on
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