On the surface, this seems like a promising idea…
As part of a new proposal being considered by the Cabinet this week, the rent paid by tenants in certain areas in Ireland could be published online.
According to The Irish Times, it’s part of Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy’s plan for “rent transparency” and would mean that the average rent of some areas would be displayed by the Rental Tenancies Board.
However, it will not give specific levels in each area, but rather a guide to the average rent in each area.
The idea is part of the Residential Tenancies Bill 2018 with the bill being aimed at strengthening tenant’s rights.
Other proposed introductions in the bill include extending the minimum notice period for a tenancy termination by a landlord, to make rent data available to tenants, and to increase the maximum value of fines.
Notice periods will also increase depending on the length of time a tenant has lived in a particular property.
Also included will be a proposal aimed at landlords who increase their rent in “Rent Pressure Zones” by more than 4% annually. They will face criminal charges for doing so.
A full list of RPZs is available on the RTB website here.
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