Seminars to detail rental sector changes

The tenants' rights charity Threshold is to hold a series of information seminars for landlords on the "major changes being introduced" to the private rented sector under the Residential Tenancies Act.

Among the provisions of the Act, which comes into force by the end of the year, tenants are entitled to security of tenure over four years once they have been in the dwelling for at least six months.

Also, serious disputes between tenants and landlords are to be referred to the Private Residential Tenancies Board instead of the courts.

There are new rules about notice periods for both tenants and landlords, and some changes to the level of rents that may be charged.

The director of Threshold, Mr Patrick Burke, said the Act was a "major step forward for the private rented sector".

"It puts the landlord and tenant relationship on a more business-like footing. The rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants are clearly written down and the means of resolving disputes will be more flexible and cheaper than in the past."

Threshold spokesman Mr Bob Jordan said an increasing proportion of calls to the organisation's helpline were from landlords.

"So we have decided to go on the road to inform landlords around Ireland about the changes that are taking place."

Mr Jordan said it was positive that landlords wanted to comply with legislation. Admission to the open evenings will be by free ticket. Meetings will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on September 2nd; the Harbour Hotel, Galway, on September 8th; the Ambassador Hotel, Cork, on September 15th; the Glentworth Hotel, Limerick, on September 28th; and at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, on October 5th.

Information on the Cork meeting from 021 427-1250; on Galway from 091 563-080; and all other locations from 01 6786096.