Call for rental sector watchdog

A Cork city councillor has called for HIQA-style regulation of the private rented sector.

Fine Gael Cllr John Buttimer made the call for tougher regulation on foot of several complaints he has received in recent months about poor quality housing and apparent breaches of litter acts by tenants of rented property.

He said an abandoned house in the College Road area is a stark example of the problem. Paint is flaking from its walls, its front window has been smashed and weeds are growing in the front yard.