clarity
-what cliche?-
The well known one about the exploititive, self serving, short term profiteering Irish landlord? Surely you have encountered this?
-so if a landlord gives a standard lease for 12 months and this is agreed by both parties one party can stay there for 4 yrs !!! regardless?
My reading of the document indicates that the landlord may terminate the lease agreement if the tenant abuses the property, or if the landlord is selling the propeerty. I don't see how good long term tenants in a situation where the propertty isn't up for resale, is any imposition.
-the mortgage is subject to terms and conditions too i.e. a contract -it is a legal contract is it not?
Yes, we are in agreement there. You wouldn't expect your mortgage lender to foreclose/change the terms of your loan on a whim, so why expect a tenant to do so?
-after having had tenants who managed to put holes in doors, flood bathrooms,have pit bull terriers for pets and some who were late in rent 9 out of 12 months i can tell you I am sceptical that many landlords would continue to invest
Have you read the document? No landlord is expected to endure tenants who damage property.
-is housing a right? do people have a right to live in other people's houses?
Do you have a right to live in your house pending full payment of your mortgage? Why should a tenant expect less of their contract with a landlord? It certainly isn't a 'privilege' to enter into a business arrangement. It's a transaction with obligations and responsibilities on both sides.
-in other words if you rent out a room in your house you would be happy to recognise that the tenant has a right to private property ( yours!!!!!) for 4 yrs
As Bearish points out, it's usually the bank's property, but I sense you would be happier with the status quo, where tenancy terms are perpetually short term, and at the mercy of a benevolent dictatorship from one party to the commercial transaction. Presently if someone decides they don't want to enter into home ownership, but rather rent, they are given an extremely raw deal. I suspect you wouldn't willingly sign up for the cost and conditions applied to leased accomodation in this country at present. Would you? I know I wouldn't, but in a legislated environment like on the continent, it is a viable option, and one that supports many more tenancy's than here. Perhaps continental landlords' eyes are on the long term security of their arrangement, rather than obsessed with reaffirming their private ownership?
I just don't see a legitimate cause for concern with this proposed legislation. Long overdue in my view.
-rgds