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Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Question: My private rented accommodation is damp and mouldy. Does the landlord have to fix this?
Answer: Yes, your landlord has a legal duty to make sure that your home meets certain minimum physical standards. This includes keeping it in a proper state of structural repair and free from damp.
Does my landlord have to provide a washing machine?
Yes, your landlord must provide you with access to a washing machine, and a clothes-dryer if your home does not have a private garden or yard.
Some of the other things they must provide include:
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• A 4-ring hob with oven and grill
• A cooker hood or extractor fan
• A microwave oven
• A sink with hot and cold water
• A well ventilated bathroom which is in a separate room from the living quarters
• A fixed heating appliance in each room which you can control
• Vermin-proof rubbish storage facilities
Is my landlord responsible if my possessions are damaged because of an issue with the property, for example, if the pipes burst?
While the landlord is responsible for keeping the building in good repair they are not generally responsible for any damage to your possessions. Several insurance companies provide contents insurance for private tenants.
What should I do if my house does not meet the minimum standards?
First speak to your landlord about the problem. Put your complaint in writing and include as many details as possible, including photographs, videos and any receipts for repairs you did at your own expense. If your landlord refuses to carry out the necessary repairs, you should report them to your local authority.
Read more about standards for rented accommodation on citizensinformation.ie https://bit.ly/3srvjIw
• You can call a member of the local Citizens Information Service in Kerry on 0818 07 7860. The telephone lines are staffed from 10am -4pm from Monday to Friday. The National Phone Service is available on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm.
Alternatively, you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie
