Watchdog hires translators over hike in tenancy disputes

DISPUTES between landlords and immigrants have forced the country’s new rental sector watchdog to hire translators.

The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) is at present hearing 100 dispute cases a month in all areas.

Director at the PRTB, Margaret Taheny Moore, explained why there was a need to hire translators. “Fathers have had to bring their sons along for translating about disputes. But we want to get this service going before there is a large demand. The courts service have started using translators, so as we have tribunal hearings we need them too.”