Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
88. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to prohibit the charging of fees for the provision of a reference from a landlord or property management company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2025 (the RTA) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
Section 16 of the RTA obliges a tenant to pay any charges or taxes in accordance with the lease or tenancy agreement unless they are unlawful or contravene any other enactment. In general, the question of whether or not a tenant has to pay charges to a landlord depends on the terms of the lease or tenancy agreement. The amount of any such charges, if applicable, is a matter to be agreed between landlord and tenant. Contract law governs such arrangements. The specific terms associated with an individual tenant’s rights and obligations are likely to be set out in a written contract signed by both the tenant and the landlord.
Where there is a disagreement regarding charges payable under a lease or tenancy agreement, the tenant or landlord may refer a dispute to the RTB for resolution.
The governance of owner management companies falls under the remit of the Minister of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
