Housing (Misc Provisions) Act 1992: DCC going to do an inspection of a rented propert

Hi,

I got a letter from Dublin City Council last week informing me that they were going to undertake an inspection of a rented property of mine under the above legislation.
Has anyone had such an inspection before and if so, is there anything in particular that I should watch out for? The property was extensively refurbished two years ago and is in pretty good nick so I'm not too worried but you never know....

Thanks in advance, San Martino

You can usually get download legislation from the website www.irishstatutebook.ie, at least that'll give you a heads up on what your statutory responsibilities are.

Or ring them and ask. You are perfectly entitled to ask and be given this information beforehand.

yes,we had two inspections. Only item raised was putting in vents, we had them already but they were covered. They are reasonable, any work needed has to be done within 6 weeks,I think before they check it.

Although,our tenant trashed our place,never cleaned it, place was filthy. An extremely rude person(because she thought we were not PRTB reg'd) from the council told me it was our responsibility to have the place habitable for our tenants. We had to ensure that the place was clean?? How bizarre is that.Tenant gone now,thank god. Really good tenants in situ.

Thanks for the suggestions & comments - I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers

Can I ask, do you all have property rented out to social welfare tenants?

I presume that the council would not be too concerned about protecting the rights/conditions of private renters or maybe I'm mistaken?

Thanks

Property is rented to 5 students - significant renovations were carried out 2 years ago with the addition of 3 ensuite bedrooms and accomodation is as good as anything in Dublin, although back garden is completely overgrown. I'm wondering if they received a complaint of some sort e.g. from a neighbour, but I think this is unlikely as neighbours have my contact details and indeed contacted me about previous tenants!

I think it may be a complaint alright. Do the students get grants from local authority? I still wouldn't imagine that the council will actively look after the interests of private renters...but maybe I'm wrong

Hi,

Don - I'm not aware whether any of the students get grants from the local authority or otherwise.

I had the inspection last week - didn't attend myself as one of the tenants was there and I had a busy day at work. Yesterday I received a letter from DCC making a number of 'strong recommendations having regard to a review of current legislation in relation to private rented dwellings'.
In summary these recommendatins were to provide a fire extinguisher in the house & a fire blanket in the kitchen (I've no problem doing these)

To maintain the front & rear lawns (back garden is in a bad state!) or provide tenants with lawnmower etc to maintain them - I'd be happy to provide the tenants with necessary equipment but I've already bought two lawnmowers for that house in the past few years - they just disappear or break and it's not worth arguing over with the tenants.

Inspector also came up with the following.... 'wall tiles to be regrouted where discoloured' and 'side of bath is defective at the join' - all I can say in relation to these points is that it's a good job my own house wasn't inspected!

Lastly I'm supposed to let them know when the above issues have been addressed.

Similar result here re: fire blanket and fire extinguisher, no problem with that.... They also said the garage "should be kept neat and tidy" - who the hell are these people and why should something like this apply to a house that's rented when it does apply to private houses?

Roy