A Dubliner's Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 ... - Dublin.ie

3.0 Rights &
Responsibilities for All
This section outlined key issues that
might arise in terms of the rights and
responsibilities of landlords, tenants
and other parties in terms of the
private rental sector.
3.1 Apartment Complexes
If the rented dwelling is part of an
apartment complex and a tenant
makes a written complaint about
something for which the management
company of that complex is
responsible, the landlord must send
that complaint to the management
company. The management company
is obliged to reply in writing to the
landlord who must, in turn, give this
reply to the tenant.
3.2 Assistance with Rents and
Deposits
If a tenant claims social welfare, is on
a FÁS scheme, or working part-time,
they may qualify for help towards their
rent from the Community Welfare
Officer at their local health centre. In
exceptional circumstances, they may
also get help with a deposit. All
tenants are entitled to claim tax relief
on rent. For further information please
contact your local tax office.
Support with accommodation and rent
is also available through the Rental
Accommodation Scheme, details of
which are provided in Appendix 9 and
Appendix 10.
3.3 Contents Insurance
Your landlord's insurance policy is
unlikely to cover your personal
belongings. It can be difficult and
expensive to obtain such insurance,
especially where there are a number
of flats or bed-sits in the same house.
Many companies charge a minimum
premium. Contents insurance is often
easier to get where you have other
goods, such as a car, insured with the
same company or if you are a member
of a Credit Union.
3.4 Garden Maintenance
Responsibility for garden maintenance
will depend on the provisions
contained in a lease. The lease should
also include details relating to the
supply of the necessary equipment
e.g. lawnmower etc.
3.5 Litter Pollution
Under the 1997 Litter Pollution Act
the owner or occupier of a property
which can be seen from a public place
is obliged to keep it free of litter. This
applies to any outdoor area on your
property that is visible from a public
place. If you occupy premises along a
public road in a built-up area, you are
required to keep the footpaths,
pavements or grass verges in front of
the property free of litter.
A Dubliner’s Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 10
(Updated January 2008)