Green Party Senator and European candidate for Dublin, Deirdre De Burca, has welcomed the introduction of new standards for rented accommodation in Dublin.

As part of the new measures, introduced by Green Party leader John Gormley, bedsits are to be phased out and landlords will now be required by law to maintain the garden, exterior and common areas of their properties.

Senator De Burca said, “The current standards for rented accommodation were introduced in 1993, when Ireland was a very different place. Since then, we’ve had a property boom and an increase in population, with more people renting than ever before.

“The sheer volume of rented accommodation has allowed some landlords to let out sub-standard properties, with poor heating, poor cooking facilities and badly maintained common or garden areas.

“Poor standards in rental accommodation have had a negative impact on tenants and local residents across South Dublin and have created an eyesore for residents in communities such as Tallaght, Clondalkin, Dun Laoghaire, Lucan and Crumlin.

“These new measures will not only bring relief to the tenants who rent a property, but for the community as a whole and the many resident associations who campaign to  keep their neighbourhoods looking as presentable as possible,” added Senator De Burca. 
 

The new standards will commence from 1 February 2009 for all new properties, while existing properties will have a four year phasing in period to allow for upgrade works.

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Dublin by Deirdre