Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
279. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to protect pet ownership in private rental accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8925/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2025 (the RTA) regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.
The RTA applies to every dwelling that is the subject of a tenancy, subject to a limited number of exceptions. Dwellings covered by the RTA include the private rental sector, the cost rental sector, the approved housing body sector and student accommodation (including tenancies and licences in student specific accommodation). The RTA make no reference to animals.
Generally, it is “house rules” agreed between a landlord and a tenant at the start of a tenancy that might deal with keeping pets. Landlords and tenants should discuss how pets can be best accommodated in a rental property before the tenancy commences and include any relevant terms in the tenancy agreement.
Section 18 of the RTA provides that no provision of any lease, tenancy agreement, contract or other agreement may operate to vary, modify or restrict in any way the obligations of landlords under section 12 or the obligations of tenants under section 16. However, more favourable terms for the tenant than those that apply by virtue of section 12 can be included in any lease or tenancy agreement. Also, obligations additional to those specified in section 16 may be imposed on the tenant by any lease or tenancy agreement but only if those obligations are consistent with the RTA.
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the RTA, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
My Department reviews the operation of the residential rental sector and keeps the RTA under continuous review.
