Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
434. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the implementation of the commitment in Delivering Homes, Building Communities to remove the blanket ban on pets in apartments; when this measure will be applied to the private rental market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new national housing plan, Building Homes, Delivery Communities, commits to reviewing the CCMA Code of Practice - Approved Housing Body (AHB) Allocation Process (the Code). A Working Group, including local authority and AHB representatives, has been established by my Department to examine the Code and its implementation.
As part of the work of this Working Group, an examination of how the Code can ensure that social housing tenants, of either AHBs or local authorities, are not precluded from living with domestic pets in local authority or approved housing body properties. The review of the Code of Practice is scheduled for completion by H2 2026 with arrangements for its implementation also in place at that time.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2025 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Acts 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. These terms cannot reduce the obligations that landlords owe to tenants or impose any additional obligations on tenants that are inconsistent with their obligations under the Acts. I, my Department and the RTB keep the operation of the residential rental sector and the RTA under continuous review.
