The 4 year phasing-in period of standards for landlords of private rented accommodation ended in January 2013. This means that properties let between September 2004 and January 2009 must, from the 1st of February 2013, have met all the regulatory standards set out in
http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,19142,en.pdf
As of that date landlords must provide:
- A separate room, for the exclusive use of each rented unit, with a toilet, a wash basin and a fixed bath or shower with hot and cold water;
- A fixed heating appliance in each room, which is capable of providing effective heating and which the tenant can control;
- Adequate facilities for the hygienic storage, preparation and cooking of food and access to a washing machine and dryer.
These are in addition to existing responsibilities which require landlords to maintain the property in a sound state, inside and out. The regulations specify that roofs, roofing tiles, slates, windows, floors, ceilings, walls, stairs, doors, skirting boards, fascias, tiles on any floor, ceiling and wall, gutters, down pipes, fittings, furnishings, gardens and common areas must be maintained in good condition and repair. They must not be defective due to dampness or otherwise.
Landlords must also:
- Ensure that electricity or gas supplies are in good repair and safe;
- Ensure that every room has adequate ventilation and both natural and artificial lighting;
- Provide a fire blanket and fire alarms; and
- Provide access to vermin-proof and pest-proof refuse storage facilities.