Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
630. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the responsibilities a county council continues to have for people on their housing list after they allocate them housing with a housing body where issues with maintenance or other works arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3337/26]
View answerA person on a local authority social housing waiting list who avails of a tenancy provided by an Approved Housing Body (AHB), is effectively a private tenant of that AHB. Accordingly, the AHB must comply with the statutory private rental standards and register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Thereafter, the AHB and the tenant can avail of services through the RTB.
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 specify minimum standards for private rental accommodation across a range of areas, including structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. The Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let, including from AHBs.
Respective local authorities are responsible for ensuring landlords comply with the Regulations. Some €10.5 million will be provided by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
Maintenance and works on AHB owned properties is a matter for each AHB, with costs funded primarily through tenant rents. In some instances, funding may also be available from my Department as a contribution towards the upkeep of properties. For example, a contribution may be available under the Rental Accommodation Scheme towards a tenant's rent in a Capital Assistance Scheme funded property; a monthly Payment and Availability payment is paid under the Capital Acquisition and Leasing Facility scheme; and, an annual maintenance payment is paid under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme.
Ultimately, the onus is on each AHB to ensure adequate budgetary provision is made for the proper upkeep of their social homes.
