With certain exceptions, rental properties must comply with specified minimum physical standards and be in a proper state of structural repair.
Examples of items covered are sanitary, cooking, heating and ventilation facilities.
Tenants occupying accommodation not meeting the standards should make a formal complaint to the Housing Department and an inspection of the property will be carried and further action initiated if appropriate.
Houses, apartments and flats must be registered by landlords with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). There are a number of exemptions from this. Further details can be obtained from the PRTB at 2nd Floor, O'Connell Bridge, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2 or from their website www.prtb.ie
A rent book must be supplied by a landlord to a tenant. This also applies to social housing units provided by local authorities and voluntary housing bodies. The rent book must be supplied at the commencement of the tenancy and contain specified information.