RTB Reports High Non-Compliance in Rental Property Standards

Recent data indicates that nearly 75% of privately rented properties inspected by local authorities in the first nine months of the year failed to meet minimum standards.

Out of 61,141 inspections, 44,699 properties did not comply with requirements related to structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety, and the safety of gas, oil, and electrical supplies.

Housing charity Threshold is advocating for a certification system, similar to the National Car Test, where landlords would be obliged to have properties inspected by a building professional every four years.

The Department of Housing is considering this proposal but warns that implementing such a system could lead to a significant number of properties being unavailable for rent during the certification process, potentially disrupting the rental market.