Irish Tenant Rights for Repairs and Maintenance

Renting in Ireland comes with a set of rights and responsibilities, especially concerning property maintenance and repairs. As a tenant, knowing these rights can help ensure you live in a safe and habitable environment. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended) and the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, landlords must maintain rental properties to specific standards.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you have the right to a property that meets health, safety, and structural requirements. Landlords must ensure their properties comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, meaning no hazardous conditions exist and all fixtures are in working order.

What to Expect from Your Landlord

• All repairs related to the structure and exterior, such as roofs, walls, and windows.
• Safe electrical and gas installations.
• Maintain any appliances provided.
• Repairing plumbing elements like sinks, sanitary fittings, and drainage systems.

Your Responsibilities

• Keep the property reasonably clean.
• Report any necessary repairs to the landlord in writing.
• Ensure minor repairs that are part of daily maintenance, such as replacing lightbulbs, are performed.

Taking Action for Repairs

If your landlord fails to conduct necessary repairs, you have several steps you can take:

1. Notify the landlord in writing, providing a reasonable timeframe for repairs.
2. If unresolved, you can raise a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
3. Use the RTB's Dispute Resolution Service if necessary.

Remember

Understanding your rights and the obligations of your landlord under Irish law can protect you from living in substandard conditions. If you're experiencing issues with repairs, the RTB offers guidance and support services to help you resolve your concerns.

1. What if my landlord refuses to repair? If a landlord ignores repair requests, tenants can seek help from the RTB for dispute resolution.
2. Who should pay for damages caused by a tenant? Tenants are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear, and might need to cover repair costs.
3. How quickly should repairs be made? Repairs should be addressed within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the urgency and severity of the issue.

1. How to request repairs from your landlord in Ireland
   1. Step 1: Document the issue clearly.
   2. Step 2: Write a formal request to your landlord.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants have the right to live in a property that meets safety and health standards.
• Both tenants and landlords have specific responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Use RTB resources if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need assistance, the following resources can be beneficial:

• Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution and tenant rights advice.
• Citizens Information for detailed tenant rights information.
• Threshold for tenant advocacy and advice.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended)
2. Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019

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