LANDLORDS WILL BE required to provide minimum standards of accommodation and facilities under new regulations set to come into force on 1 July.

The Housing Minister Simon Coveney yesterday announced that he had signed the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017 on 27 January, giving effect to a commitment under the Government’s’ rental strategy, published in December.

Under the regulations, landlords will have to, with some exceptions, ensure that such properties meet certain minimum standards. The standards relate to, structural condition, provision of sanitary facilities, food preparation, storage and laundry, availability of adequate heating, lighting and ventilation, safety of oil, electricity and gas installations, fire safety and refuse facilities.

The regulation also requires landlords to supply:

• A four-ring hob with oven and grill
• An extractor fan or cooker hood
• A fridge and freezer or a fridge-freezer
• A microwave
• “Suitable” kitchen presses
• Access to a washing machine in the building
• A dryer or a yard for a clothesline
• Adequate natural lighting

Coveney said the regulations “aim to ensure that properties tenants are renting are safe, efficient, durable and comfortable”.

“Landlords will be made fully aware of their obligations through a consistent and uniform approach by all local authorities in the State, which will ensure a level playing field so that responsible landlords will not be dis-advantaged by lax enforcement of rogue landlords.”

The regulations come as rental prices in Dublin climb at the highest rate ever.

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