Clare TD addresses Taoiseach about renters 'gaming the system'
CLARE TD Michael McNamara is urging the government to introduce legislation that combats “unscrupulous” landlords who rent out homes unfit for purpose.
Raising the matter with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dail Éireann, the Independent TD said, “There is a lot of discussion of dysfunction in the housing system. There is also a certain dysfunction in the rental sector and I do not agree with an eviction ban.
“Obviously, people should be helped, but if somebody is refusing to pay their rent or gaming the system a landlord should be able to remove them.”
Deputy McNamara also addressed the issue of tenants who do not pay rent, saying some individuals “game the system”.
“There is a huge problem in people intentionally gaming the system. They go to the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB and appeal to the board and then wait for court enforcement. It goes on for well over a year. Meanwhile, someone is trying to pay a mortgage on a property and there is no summary procedure to remove somebody.
“On the other hand,” stated Deputy McNamara, “landlords should be renting out properties that are fit for purpose and there should be inspections. It goes back to 2013 when I stood here and called for a proper inspection procedure. Threshold is calling for a mandatory system whereby a landlord is required to obtain a certificate from a local authority every four years. Will the Taoiseach cure either of those problems? They are both important matters.”
In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, “I definitely think the system needs to be more efficient. The RTB is very slow to deal with complaints, whether for a renter or a landlord.
“We definitely need to improve the efficiency and resourcing of the RTB and that is happening. We have been appointing a lot of judges in the last few months, which should hopefully speed up the courts process.
“I think I have read that proposal from Threshold, that it would be like a national car test, NCT, for rental property with an inspection every three or four years. It is worthy of consideration. As is often the case with a good idea, there could be unintended consequences, but it is definitely something I will speak to the Minister about,” concluded the Taoiseach.