Labour demands reform of rented accommodation sector

The Labour Party is demanding reform of the rented accommodation sector following a scam that saw up to 30 potential tenants lose €35,000 to a conman in Dublin.

The tenants had all handed over deposits and advance rent on a two-bedroom apartment in the Ballsbridge area of Dublin, but when they arrived to move in, their keys did not work.

The Labour Party has called for reforms that would see deposits for rented properties handed over to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) rather than to the landlord.

The board was set up by the Government two years ago as part of moves to regulate the private rented accommodation sector.

However, when asked for a comment on the Ballsbridge scam today, it said the matter did not fall under its remit.

Its main role is to provide a dispute resolution service for landlords and tenants. The PRTB is also responsible for tenancy registration. From September 2004, all landlords have had to register new tenancies with the board.

The Irish Property Owners Association, meanwhile, said it was appalled to learn of the scam and has advised prospective tenants to ask all landlords to show their IPOA membership card.