New laws support the rights of tenants

LANDLORDS will not be able to jack up rents above reasonable levels under new laws to come into effect before the end of the year.

Tenants will also receive four years security of tenure after six months in the property under legislation published yesterday by the Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen, reversing what he described as a “Victorian approach” to property rights.

The Residential Tenancies Bill was broadly welcomed by tenants rights groups but criticised by landlords representatives.