Timely legislation - Accidental landlords

Landlords in Ireland tend to have a bad name and the classic image is of a greedy property owner charging exorbitant rents for sub-standard accommodation.

But in recent years, a new breed of ‘accidental landlord’ has emerged, those forced through personal circumstances to rent out the house or apartment they originally bought as their home.

Many people who bought their home during the boom now find that as a result of changed family circumstances it no longer meets their needs.

This may be because it is too small for a growing family or is in negative equity and cannot be sold. Unable to sell and move on, many families are forced to rent their home and, in turn, rent a new property for themselves.

Because they are amateurs and new to being a landlord, most people in those circumstances will not be aware that they face an array of taxes, including income tax, USC, property tax, and fees to the Private Residential Tenancies Board.

Fianna Fáil has come up with a plan to give accidental landlords a break by allowing those who bought a home between 2000 and 2009 and who are now renting another property to offset the rent they pay against the rent they receive.

The cynical may say that this is pure electioneering and that Fianna Fáil shares responsibility for creating the problem, but it is still a very worthwhile proposal.