Sir, – It seems to me that the provisions proposed are not going to do anything to moderate rents or encourage smaller private landlords to stay in the market.
The Government already provides a tax break for the rent a room scheme. Would it not be possible to offer a tax deal to private landlords whereby they commit to rent an existing property for six years at a fixed “affordable” rate established by the council in a particular area and allow such rent to be tax free for the landlord?
Sale of the property would be prohibited in exchange for the tax package.
New properties coming on to the market should be declared rental or private properties on completion. Those declared as rental properties should remain so for life, allowing lengthy tenancies to be created like leases for defined periods on standard terms controlled by local authorities.
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Councils need to be more proactive in building and purchasing housing in their area to ensure housing needs are met. – Yours, etc,
NIALL PELLY SNR.
Westminster Road,
Dublin 18.
