Fianna Fáil is calling for new Landlord and Tenant Laws as tenants in Dublin have a limited knowledge of their rights under Irish law.

Dublin City Councillor, Jim O'Callaghan, said new laws will bring them in line with other European States.

Mr O'Callaghan said: "Because the market in Dublin is now dysfunctional, many tenants face eviction once Landlords comply with their limited statutory obligations."

O'Callaghan recommended that in order for there to be a proper long term solution to the Homelessness crisis in Dublin, the law on Tenants' rights needs to be changed.

-- Advertisement --

He continued: "In Belgium, rent increases above the rate of inflation cannot be written into a lease. Belgian Law also provides that in written leases rent will automatically be adapted once a year in accordance with the cost of living.

"In the Netherlands a landlord may increase the rent once a year but the government sets the maximum rate of increase. These laws provide security to tenants but also make the property market more stable with long term investors, who are not looking for rapid rent increases, becoming landlords.

"These moderate laws in economically stable countries should be followed in Ireland. They would improve the protection for Tenants and would also have a benefit in establishing a more stable and functioning rental sector."

(CD/JP)