Almost 90% of South Dublin County rental properties inspected failed to meet regulatory requirements in 2016

Almost 90 per cent of rental properties inspected in the South Dublin County area in 2016 failed to meet the regulatory requirements.

The figures were released in reply to a question put forward by Councillor Dermot Looney ahead of the monthly council meeting this afternoon.

In total, 1,353 properties were inspected by SDCC’s Clerk of Works and by Environmental Health Officers, with the number of inspections rising to 1,534 when re-inspections were included.

Of those inspected, 1,195 failed to meet the regulatory requirements, with a lack of smoke alarms, the unavailability of boiler service certification, no fire blankets and a lack of Carbon Monoxide alarms, the most common reasons for contravention of the minimum standards required.

The council did state that the requirement for Carbon Monoxide alarms is not included in the current minimum standards, but they did advise that it is best practice for rented properties to have them installed.

In their reply SDCC said: “This requirement (for Carbon Monoxide alarms) has now been addressed in the new regulations coming into effect on 1st July.

“All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations in order to protect the health and well-being of their tenants, and that the rented property is safe and fit for habitation while let and available for renting.”

According to SDCC, in cases where the property contravenes the minimum standards the landlords are notified and requested to confirm the minimum standards are complied with.

In 2016 two Improvement Notices requiring improvement works to be carried out were served.

A prosecution has been initiated in relation to one, while a Prohibition Notice was served (in 2017) in relation to the other.

SDCC went on to say, “During 2017 the Council will be focusing on enforcement of the minimum standards and in this regard will be carrying out spot checks on properties which failed to meet the minimum standards in 2016.”

The figures are expected to be discussed in the council chamber this afternoon.