IMPORTANT CHANGES TO RENTAL LEGISLATION

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 was signed into law on May 31st 2019. There are a number of changes enacted and will come into effect at various dates over the next few months.

NOTICE OF TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS AND PROCEDURES
Effective from 4th June, the legislation provides for a number of changes such as:

1. Where a landlord intends to sell – a landlord must enter into a contract for sale within 9 months of the termination date or must offer to relet the property to the tenant.
2. Where a landlord intends to substantially refurbish the dwelling – the landlord must provide certification by a registered professional that the works would pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants, would require vacation of the property and would take at least 3 weeks to complete. The landlord must offer the property back to the original tenant on completion of the works
3. Where a landlord intends to move in or move family in and where a landlord intends to change the use of the dwelling – the landlord must offer the property back to the tenant should it become available for let from 12 months from the expiry of the notice of termination.

EXEMPTIONS TO RENT PRESSURE ZONE MEASURES, RENT REVIEWS AND RENT SETTING PROVISIONS
Effective from 4th June, the following exemptions are effective.

Exemption 1 - a property must be new to the market, having not been let in the 2 years prior to the immediate tenancy commencement date.
Exemption 2  - A 'substantial change' in the nature of the accommodation has been defined as a permanent extension to the dwelling that increases the floor area.

​Effective from 15th July, landlords who provide residential accommodation to students during academic term time will come under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Landlords and student tenants will now have access to the RTB’s dispute resolution service and will have certain rights and responsibilities