Private Rented Sector
Leasing
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RAS
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HAP
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Standards in Rented Accommodation
All landlords are required by law to comply with the minimum standards legislation for private rental housing and should ensure their properties are fully compliant with fire safety and minimum standards regulations for rental properties. Local Authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance of minimum standards and fire safety.
If a tenant feels their rented dwelling is in breach of the minimum standards legislation, the tenant should notify the landlord in writing of the issues and give them a reasonable period of time in which to rectify the situation. If the problem persists after the period of time has passed the tenant may submit an application for dispute resolution to the RTB.
Local Authorities are responsible for enforcing minimum standards. If the property is below the minimum standards and the landlord refuses to carry out repairs as required, the tenant can ask their Local Authority to carry out an inspection.
Westmeath County Council Housing Inspectors are “authorised persons” who are empowered to inspect a private rented house. Westmeath County Council has an ongoing active inspections programme. Inspections are carried out on a proactive basis and in response to complaints from tenants.
If a tenant has notified the landlord regarding the need for repairs, but the problem has not been rectified by the landlord, the tenant can choose to refer the matter to the Westmeath County Council Rental Standards team for investigation by completing the Inspection Request form available below and submitting in full. Inspection Request forms can be submitted by email, post, or at the Housing Counter in the County Buildings.
Please note: The Rental Standards team require certain information before investigating a complaint. This information includes full address of the rented property; landlord’s name, contact details, & address; tenant’s details; confirmation of the date the landlord was last notified about issues to be resolved. Incomplete request forms will not be accepted.
The Rental Standards Team can be contacted by:
Telephone: 044 933 2240 / 044 933 2119
Email: housinginspections@westmeathcoco.ie
Written correspondence: Rental Standards, Housing Department, Westmeath County Council, Áras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath N91 FH4N
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