Plan could see landlords fined for lying to tenants about selling house

New measures could see landlords face fines of up to €3,000 if they lie to tenants about plans to sell their house.

Proposals going to Cabinet this morning will see property owners forced to sign a legal declaration if they are planning on selling.

Under current law, property owners are allowed to evict their tenants if they are putting the property up for sale - or if they need it to house their own family.

The measure forms part of the Cabinet's compromise package on housing and rent - set to be approved by Ministers this morning.

The proposals are being welcomed by CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust, Pat Doyle.

"It will offer current tenants security for up to two years, and that could be repeated for a period up to four years," he said.

"It also allows for the non-discrimination of people in relation to rent supplement etc.

"So we welcome it - we've always said that the response to homelessness was complex and this is one of the actions that we've been calling for for a while."