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Uimhir 6 de 1982
ACHT NA dTITHE (TEAGHAISÍ PRÍOBHÁIDEACHA AR CÍOS), 1982
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
CUID I
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Gearrtheideal agus tosach feidhme.
1.—(1) Féadfar Acht na dTithe (Teaghaisí Príobháideacha ar Cíos), 1982, a ghairm den Acht seo.
(2) Tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh cibé lá a cheapfaidh an tAire le hordú.
Léiriú i gcoitinne.
2.—(1) San Acht seo, ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
ciallaíonn “an Chúirt” an Chúirt Dúiche;
ciallaíonn “teaghais” teach atá ligthe mar theaghais ar leithligh, nó cuid, arna ligean amhlaidh, d'aon teach, cibé acu atá nó nach bhfuil an tionónta i bpáirt le haon daoine eile in aon chuid di nó in aon chóiríocht, aosáid nó saoráid maidir leis an gcéanna;
ciallaíonn “údarás tithíochta”—
(a) i gcás contae, gan aon bhuirg ná ceantar uirbeach ann a áireamh, comhairle an chontae,
(b) i gcás contaebhuirge nó buirge eile, bardas na buirge, agus
(c) i gcás ceantair uirbigh, comhairle an cheantair,
agus forléireofar tagairtí do limistéar feidhmiúcháin údaráis tithíochta dá réir sin;
ciallaíonn “tiarna talún” an duine atá i dteideal de thuras na huaire an cíos is iníoctha i leith teaghaise a fháil (seachas mar ghníomhaire do dhuine eile);
ciallaíonn “an tAire” an tAire Comhshaoil.
(2) Aon tagairt san Acht seo do Chuid nó d'alt is tagairt í do Chuid nó d'alt den Acht seo mura léirítear gur tagairt d'achtachán éigin eile atá i gceist.
(3) Aon tagairt san Acht seo d'fho-alt, do mhír nó do roinn ar bith eile is tagairt í don fho-alt, don mhír nó don roinn eile den fhoráil ina bhfuil an tagairt, mura léirítear gur tagairt d'fhoráil éigin eile atá i gceist.
Caiteachas.
3.—Déanfar an caiteachas faoina rachaidh an tAire ag riaradh an Achta seo a íoc, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais é, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
Fógraí a sheirbheáil.
4.—(1) I gcás ina mbeidh fógra nó éileamh faoin Acht seo nó faoi aon rialacháin faoin Acht seo le tabhairt do dhuine nó le seirbheáil air, déanfar é a dhíriú chuige agus a thabhairt dó nó a sheirbheáil air i slí éigin acu seo a leanas:
(a) más faoina ainm a bheidh sé dírithe chuige, trína sheachadadh dó;
(b) trína fhágáil ag an seoladh ag a bhfuil gnáthchónaí air nó, má bhíonn seoladh seirbheála tugtha, ag an seoladh sin;
(c) trína chur leis an bpost i litir chláraithe réamhíoctha a bheidh dírithe chuige ag an seoladh ag a bhfuil gnáthchónaí air nó, má bhíonn seoladh seirbheála tugtha, ag an seoladh sin.
(2) Chun críocha an ailt seo, measfar gnáthchónaí a bheith ina hoifig chláraithe ar chuideachta a bheidh cláraithe faoi Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 agus 1977, agus measfar gnáthchónaí a bheith ina phríomh-oifig nó ina phríomh-áit ghnó ar gach comhlacht corpraithe eile agus ar gach comhlacht neamhchorpraithe eile.
(3) I gcás ina ndéanfar fógra nó éileamh faoin Acht seo nó faoi aon rialacháin faoin Acht seo a thabhairt nó a sheirbheáil thar ceann duine, measfar gurbh é an duine sin a thug nó a sheirbheáil é.
Rialacháin a leagan faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais.
5.—Gach rialachán a dhéanfar faoin Acht seo leagfar é faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir é tar éis a dhéanta agus, má dhéanann ceachtar Teach acu sin, laistigh den 21 lá a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin, beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Aisghairm.
6.—Déantar leis seo an tAcht Srianta Cíosa, 1960, an tAcht Srianta Cíosa (Leasú), 1967, agus ailt 10 agus 11 den Acht um Thiarnaí Talún agus Tionóntaí (Leasú), 1971, a aisghairm.
CUID II
Tionóntachtaí Teaghaisí Áirithe
Léiriú (Cuid II).
7.—(1) Sa Chuid seo, ach amháin mar a n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt—
ciallaíonn “Acht 1980” an tAcht um Thiarnaí Talún agus Tionóntaí (Leasú), 1980;
ciallaíonn “teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1)” teaghais lena mbaineann an Chuid seo, de bhua na forála sin;
ciallaíonn “feabhsúchán” aon bhreis a chuir an tionónta nó aon duine dá réamhtheachtaithe i dteideal le teaghais, nó aon athrú a rinne an tionónta nó an réamhtheachtaí sin uirthi, an 31ú lá de Nollaig, 1960, nó dá éis, a chuireann le luach ligin na teaghaise agus folaíonn sé aon bhreis nó athrú a bhaineann le soláthar aon seirbhísí don teaghais, ach ní fholaíonn sé obair arb éard í deisiú (ach amháin i gcás gurb é an tiarna talún a bhí freagrach as an obair agus nach ndearna sé an obair), péinteáil agus maisiú nó aon cheann acu;
ciallaíonn “tionónta” an duine a bhfuil teideal aige de thuras na huaire chun seilbh teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), agus folaíonn sé duine—
(a) arb é a bheadh ann, ar dháta thosach feidhme an Achta seo, tionónta na teaghaise dá mba rud é go raibh ag an Acht Srianta Cíosa, 1960, agus ag an Acht Srianta Cíosa (Leasú), 1967, lánfheidhm agus lánéifeacht gach uile thráth ó dháta a rite go dtí an dáta tosach feidhme sin, agus
(b) atá i seilbh na teaghaise ar an tosach feidhme sin, agus
(c) nach tionóntacht í a thionóntacht a bhfuil ordú seilbhe déanta ina leith faoi alt 5 den Acht Srianta Cíosa (Forálacha Sealadacha), 1981.
(2) Chun críocha na Coda seo, measfar gur de theaghlach tionónta duine más rud é—
(a) gurb é an duine sin athair, máthair, seanathair, seanmháthair, leasathair, leasmháthair, athair céile, máthair chéile, mac, iníon, cliamhain, banchliamhain, nia, neacht, ua, banua, leasmhac, leasiníon, deartháir, deirfiúr, deartháir leasghaolmhar, deirfiúr leasghaolmhar, uncail nó aintín an tionónta;
nó
(b) go bhfuil an duine sin uchtaithe ag an tionónta faoi na hAchtanna Uchtála, 1952 go 1976, nó gurb é sliocht mídhlisteanach an tionónta é (arb é an tionónta máthair nó athair toimhdean an tsleachta sin) nó gur duine é a bhí bona fide ina chónaí leis an tionónta ar feadh sé bliana ar a laghad roimh bhás an tionónta i gcás go raibh an tionónta in loco parentis don duine sin.
Feidhm ag an gCuid
8.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), beidh feidhm ag an gCuid seo maidir le gach teaghais, ar theaghais rialaithe a bheadh inti, ar dháta thosach feidhme an Achta seo, de réir bhrí na nAchtanna Srianta Cíosa, 1960 go 1981, dá mbeadh lánfheidhm agus lánéifeacht ag na hAchtanna sin ar an dáta tosach feidhme sin, ach amháin maidir le teaghais den sórt sin a bheidh ar teachtadh ar an dáta tosach feidhme sin faoi chonradh tionóntachta ar feadh tréimhse is faide ná ó bhliain go bliain i rith cibé tréimhse a mbeidh sí ar teachtadh amhlaidh.
(2) Ní bheidh feidhm ag ailt 9 agus 16—
(a) maidir le teaghais arna ligean le duine i ndáil lena leanúint in aon oifig, ceapachán nó fostaíocht,
nó
(b) maidir le teaghais arna ligean bona fide mar shaoráid shealadach don tiarna talún nó don tionónta nó chun freastal do riachtanas sealadach an tiarna talún nó an tionónta sin.
(3) I gcás—
(a) an teideal atá ag tionónta seilbh a choimeád ar theaghais lena mbaineann fo-alt (1) do scor de bheith ar marthain, nó
(b) go ndéanfaidh tionónta na teaghaise a thionóntacht a shannadh nó a fholigean, nó
(c) go ndéanfaidh tiarna talún na teaghaise seilbh a aisghabháil ar an teaghais,
scoirfidh an Chuid seo d'fheidhm a bheith aici maidir leis an teaghais.
(4) Ní dhéanfaidh míreanna (a) agus (c) d'fho-alt (3) difear don teideal a bheidh ag tionónta cúiteamh a fháil faoi alt 15.
Teideal a bheith ag tionóntaí seilbh a choimeád.
9.—(1) Faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, duine (dá ngairtear an tionónta bunaidh san alt seo) a bhí, díreach roimh dháta thosach feidhme an Achta seo, ina thionónta teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1) (ach nach teaghais í dá dtagraítear in alt 8 (2)), beidh sé i dteideal seilbh a choimeád mar thionónta na teaghaise agus fanfaidh an teideal sin ar marthain ar feadh ré saoil an duine sin.
(2) Faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, duine is céile an tionónta bhunaidh beidh sé, ar bhás an tionónta sin, má bhíonn sé bona fide ina chónaí sa teaghais tráth báis an tionónta, i dteideal seilbh a choimeád mar thionónta na teaghaise agus fanfaidh an teideal sin ar marthain ar feadh ré saoil an chéile.
(3) Faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, duine is duine de theaghlach an tionónta bhunaidh, beidh sé—
(a) má fhaigheann an tionónta sin bás laistigh den tréimhse iomchuí, ar bhás an tionónta sin, nó
(b) i gcás céile an tionónta sin a theacht chun bheith ina tionónta de bhua fho-alt (2) agus bás a fháil laistigh den tréimhse iomchuí, ar bhás an chéile,
má bhíonn sé bona fide ina chónaí sa teaghais tráth an bháis sin, i dteideal seilbh a choimeád mar thionónta na teaghaise agus fanfaidh an teideal sin ar marthain ar feadh na tréimhse dar tosach dáta an bháis sin agus dar críoch an dáta a mbeidh an tréimhse iomchuí caite.
(4) Faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, i gcás duine de theaghlach an tionónta bhunaidh a theacht de bhua fho-alt (3) nó an fho-ailt seo, chun gurb é tionónta na teaghaise i gceist é agus go bhfaighidh sé bás laistigh den tréimhse iomchuí, beidh duine is duine eile den teaghlach sin, tráth an bháis sin, má bhíonn sé bona fide ina chónaí sa teaghais tráth an bháis sin, i dteideal seilbh a choimeád mar thionónta na teaghaise agus fanfaidh an teideal sin ar marthain ar feadh na tréimhse dar tosach dáta an bháis sin agus dar críoch an dáta a mbeidh an tréimhse iomchuí caite.
(5) Más rud é, sna himthosca a thuairiscítear i bhfo-alt (3) nó (4), go raibh níos mó ná duine amháin de theaghlach an tionónta bhunaidh bona fide ina chónaí sa teaghais tráth an bháis iomchuí, is é an duine amháin sin den teaghlach ar a gcomhaontófar eatarthu nó, cheal comhaontú, a roghnóidh an Chúirt, an duine a bheidh, faoi réir fhorálacha na Coda seo, i dteideal seilbh a choimeád ar an teaghais faoin alt seo.
(6) D'ainneoin fho-ailt (3) agus (4), i gcás níos lú ná cúig bliana den tréimhse iomchuí a bheith gan chaitheamh an dáta a dtiocfaidh duine de theaghlach an tionónta bhunaidh chun bheith ina thionónta teaghaise faoin alt seo, fanfaidh an teideal a bheidh ag an duine sin seilbh a choimeád ar an teaghais ar marthain ar feadh na tréimhse dar tosach an dáta sin agus dar críoch an dáta a mbeidh cúig bliana caite.
(7) San alt seo ciallaíonn “tréimhse iomchuí” an tréimhse fiche bliain dar tosach dáta thosach feidhme an Achta seo.
(8) An teideal faoin alt seo chun seilbh a choimeád ar theaghais scoirfidh sé de bheith ar marthain i gcás ina n-aisghabhfaidh an tiarna talún seilbh ar an teaghais.
Teaghais a ghéilleadh.
10.—(1) Féadfaidh tionónta teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), an teaghais a ghéilleadh don tiarna talún ar fhógra míosa ar a laghad i scríbhinn a thabhairt don tiarna talún go bhfuil beartaithe aige an teaghais a ghéilleadh.
(2) Ionas nach mbeidh aon amhras ann, dearbhaítear leis seo gur intuigthe, chun críocha an Achta um Chaomhnú Áras an Teaghlaigh, 1976, gur tíolacadh leasa sa teaghais teaghais a ghéilleadh faoi fho-alt (1).
Téarmaí tionóntachtaí.
11.—(1) Is iad na téarmaí a bheidh ag gach tionóntacht teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), cibé téarmaí ar a gcomhaontófar idir an tiarna talún agus an tionónta nó, cheal comhaontú, cibe téarmaí a shocróidh an Chúirt.
(2) Má tharlaíonn, tar éis dáta thosach feidhme an Achta seo, go méadófar cíos teaghaise trí chomhaontú idir an tiarna talún agus an tionónta nó go méadóidh an Chúirt é, ní bheidh méid an mhéadaithe iníoctha—
(a) go mbeidh téarmaí na tionóntachta leagtha amach i bhfoirm scríofa agus sínithe ag an tiarna talún nó ag a ghníomhaire agus cóip den chéanna tugtha ag an tiarna talún don tionónta, agus
(b) má bhíonn rialacháin faoi alt 24 i bhfeidhm, go mbeidh ceanglais na rialachán sin comhlíonta ag an tiarna talún.
Téarmaí tionóntachta arna socrú ag an gCúirt.
12.—(1) Faoi réir fho-alt (2), féadfaidh tiarna talún nó tionónta teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), iarratas a dhéanamh tráth ar bith chun na Cúirte ar ordú ag socrú téarmaí na tionóntachta agus féadfaidh an Chúirt cibé ordú a dhéanamh is gá de réir ceartais agus beidh ordú den sórt sin ina cheangal ar an tiarna talún agus ar an tionónta mura n-athrófar é le hordú dá éis sin ón gCúirt.
(2) I gcás téarmaí tionóntachta a bheith socraithe ag an gCúirt faoi fho-alt (1), ní cead don tiarna talún ná don tionónta iarratas a dhéanamh chun na Cúirte chun téarmaí nua tionóntachta a shocrú go mbeidh cúig bliana caite ó dháta an ordaithe dheiridh ón gCúirt ag socrú téarmaí na tionóntachta.
(3) Féadfar iarratas a dhéanamh faoin alt seo d'ainneoin aon chomhaontú idir an tiarna talún agus an tionónta ag socrú téarmaí na tionóntachta, cibé acu a rinneadh an comhaontú sin roimh dháta thosach feidhme an Achta seo nó dá éis.
(4) Má tharlaíonn díospóid, faillí nó ceist ar bith i gcomhlíonadh ordaithe faoin alt seo féadfaidh an Chúirt, ar iarratas ón tiarna talún nó ón tionónta, cibé ordú a dhéanamh is gá de réir ceartais.
(5) An tiarna talún nó an tionónta a bheidh ag déanamh iarratas faoi fho-alt (1) tabharfaidh sé fógra míosa i scríbhinn don pháirtí eile go bhfuil beartaithe aige an t-iarratas a dhéanamh.
(6) Dlífear den tiarna talún go n-íocfaidh sé costais agus caiteachais an tionónta, ar costais agus caiteachais iad a thabhaigh an tionónta go réasúnach agus de riachtanas de bharr iarratas ón tiarna talún chun na Cúirte faoin alt seo, mura ndéanfaidh an Chúirt, tar éis di na himthosca uile a bhreithniú, lena n-áirítear acmhainn an tiarna talún agus an tionónta, a mhalairt a ordú.
An Chúirt do shocrú an chíosa.
13.—(1) I gcás ina socróidh an Chúirt téarmaí tionóntachta faoi alt 12, is é a bheidh i gcíos na teaghaise an cíos comhlán arna laghdú de mhéid aon lamháltais i leith aon fheabhsúchán, agus is é a bheidh in aon lamháltas den sórt sin cibé cionúireacht den chíos comhlán is dóigh leis an gCúirt a bheith inchurtha i leith na bhfeabhsúchán.
(2) Chun críocha fho-alt (1), is é a bheidh sa chíos comhlán an cíos ar dóigh leis an gCúirt gur cíos cóir ceart a bheadh ann ag féachaint do na nithe seo a leanas, eadhon, an cineál teaghaise, a gné agus a suíomh, téarmaí eile na tionóntachta, acmhainn an tiarna talún agus an tionónta, an dáta a cheannaigh an tiarna talún an teaghais agus an méid a d'íoc sé uirthi, an fad aimsire atá an tionónta ag áitiú na teaghaise agus líon agus aoiseanna theaghlach an tionónta atá ina gcónaí sa teaghais.
Cúiteamh i leith caillteanais.
14.—(1) I gcás ina socróidh an Chúirt téarmaí tionóntachta faoi alt 12, féadfaidh an Chúirt, i leith na tréimhse ó dháta seirbheála an fhógra go bhfuil beartaithe iarratas a dhéanamh faoi fho-alt (5) den alt sin agus dáta an ordaithe ón gCúirt, a ordú don tiarna talún nó don tionónta, faoi mar is gá sa chás, méid nach mó ná an difríocht idir an cíos nua arna shocrú ag an gCúirt agus an cíos láithreach a íoc leis an bpáirtí eile.
(2) An méid a ordóidh an Chúirt a íoc faoi fho-alt (1) íocfar é i cibé slí agus ar feadh cibé tréimhse a ordóidh an Chúirt ag féachaint d'imthosca uile an cháis.
Cúiteamh i leith feabhsúchán.
15.—(1) Beidh tionónta teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), i dteideal, ar fhágáil na teaghaise dó, go n-íocfaidh an tiarna talún cúiteamh i leith feabhsúchán leis agus is é a bheidh i méid an chúitimh cibé suim ar a gcomhaontófar idir an tiarna talún agus an tionónta nó, cheal comhaontú, cibé suim a chinnfidh an Chúirt.
(2) I gcás ina gcinnfidh an Chúirt cúiteamh is é méid a bheidh ann luach caipitlithe na breise sin a bheidh curtha le luach ligin na teaghaise tráth na fágála agus a bheidh inchurtha i leith na bhfeabhsúchán, ag féachaint don fhad is dóigh a sheasfaidh na feabhsúcháin agus do gach ní eile a bhaineann leis sin.
(3) I gcás cúiteamh i leith feabhsúchán a bheith iníoctha, féadfaidh an Chúirt cibé suim a mheasann sí a bheith réasúnach a bhaint as an gcúiteamh a chinnfear faoi fho-alt (2)—
(a) más deimhin leis an gCúirt go bhfuair an tionónta nó a réamhtheachtaithe i dteideal sochair ón tiarna talún trí laghdú cíosa nó ar shlí eile mar chomaoin, sainráite nó intuigthe, as na feabhsúcháin a bheith déanta, nó
(b) má bhíonn ordú seilbhe deonaithe ar chúis a shonraítear in alt 16 (1) (a), (b) nó (c), chun an tiarna talún a chúiteamh as aon chíos a bheidh dlite nó aon chaillteanas a bheidh tabhaithe ar na cúiseanna ar ar deonaíodh an t-ordú seilbhe.
(4) Déanfaidh tionónta a bheidh ag lorg cúiteamh faoin alt seo éileamh i scríbhinn a sheirbheáil ar an tiarna talún sula bhfágfaidh sé an teaghais i gceist nó tar éis dó an teaghais a fhágáil agus tabharfaidh sé na sonraí go léir a bhaineann leis an éileamh, ach ní cead éileamh a sheirbheáil tráth is déanaí ná trí mhí tar éis na fágála sin.
(5) An cúiteamh i leith feabhsúchán is iníoctha ag tiarna talún faoin alt seo beidh sé iníoctha i cibé slí agus ar feadh cibé tréimhse ar a gcomhaontófar idir an tiarna talún agus an tionónta nó de réir mar a ordóidh an Chúirt.
(6) Ní bheidh tionónta i dteideal cúitimh faoin alt seo—
(a) i leith feabhsúcháin a rinneadh contrártha d'aon oibleagáid sa chomhaontú tionóntachta faoinar ligeadh an teaghais i gceist mura measfaidh an Chúirt, sna himthosca, go raibh sé réasúnach na feabhsúcháin a dhéanamh, nó
(b) i gcás cúiteamh a bheith íoctha i leith na teaghaise faoi Chuid IV d'Acht 1980.
(7) I gcás ina n-íocfar cúiteamh faoin alt seo i leith teaghaise, ní bheidh aon cheart ann chun cúitimh i leith feabhsúchán ar an teaghais sin faoi Chuid IV d'Acht 1980.
Seilbh a aisghabháil.
16.—(1) D'ainneoin an ceart chun seilbh a choimeád faoi alt 9, féadfaidh an Chúirt, ar iarratas ó thiarna talún teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1) (ach nach teaghais dá dtagraítear in alt 8 (2)), ordú a dheonú chun seilbh a aisghabháil ar an teaghais má mheasann an Chúirt gur réasúnach an rud é an t-ordú a dhéanamh agus más rud é—
(a) nár íoc an tionónta aon chíos a bhí dlite go dleathach de nó nár chomhlíon sé aon oibleagáid eile a bhí air faoin tionóntacht, nó
(b) go raibh aon duine (arb é an tionónta é nó aon duine ina chónaí sa teaghais) ciontach in iompar ar deimhin leis an gCúirt gur núis nó crá é don tiarna talún nó dá ghníomhaire nó d'áititheoirí tadhlacha nó gur úsáid sé an teaghais, nó gur cheadaigh sé an teaghais a úsáid, chun aon chríche mímhorálta nó neamhdhleathaí (cibé acu a rinneadh nó nach ndearnadh an duine a chiontú mar gheall ar í a úsáid, nó as cead a thabhairt í a úsáid, amhlaidh), nó
(c) gurb é tuairim na Cúirte gur tháinig míbhail ar an teaghais de dheasca an tionónta nó aon duine ina chónaí sa teaghais do dhéanamh bearta diomailte nó do dhéanamh faillí nó mainneachtana, nó
(d) go bhfuil an teaghais ag teastáil bona fide ón tiarna talún—
(i) lena háitiú mar áit chónaithe dó féin nó d'aon duine atá, nó atá le bheith, bona fide ina chónaí leis, nó
(ii) lena háitiú mar áit chónaithe do dhuine atá ar fostaíocht lánaimsire ag an tiarna talún, nó
(iii) ar mhaithe le dea-bhainistí eastáit, nó
(e) go bhfuil seilbh ghlan ag teastáil ón tiarna talún chun scéim forbartha maoine, ar a n-áirítear an teaghais, a chur i gcrích agus go bhfuil cead pleanála aige le haghaidh na scéime,
agus, i ndáil le seilbh a aisghabháil faoi mhír (d) nó (e), go n-íocfaidh an tiarna talún cibé suim is réasúnach leis an gCúirt chun íoc as na costais a thabhóidh an tionónta ag fágáil na teaghaise dó, mar aon le suim nach mó ná cíos trí bliana do chóiríocht ionadúil atá réasúnta oiriúnach le haghaidh riachtanais chónaithe agus riachtanais eile an tionónta, a chéile agus a theaghlaigh atá bona fide ina gcónaí leis sa teaghais.
(2) Nuair a bheidh an Chúirt á bhreithniú an rud réasúnach é ordú a dhéanamh chun seilbh a aisghabháil, tabharfaidh sí aird ar a mhéid (más aon mhéid é), a bhí iompar an tiarna talún ina chúis leis na forais ar a bhfuil sé ag brath mar thaca lena iarratas ar sheilbh a aisghabháil.
(3) Ní chuirfidh aon ní sa Chuid seo cosc ar údarás áitiúil seilbh a fháil ar theaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), ar teaghais í atá ag teastáil go réasúnach le haghaidh cumhachtaí, feidhmeanna agus dualgais an údaráis a fheidhmiú.
(4) San alt seo—
tá le “forbairt” an bhrí a shanntar dó le halt 3 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil (Pleanáil agus Forbairt), 1963;
ciallaíonn “cead pleanála” cead chun talamh a fhorbairt más gá cead a fháil agus má thugtar é faoi Chuid IV den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil (Pleanáil agus Forbairt), 1963, agus, i gcás rialacháin faoi alt 25 den Acht sin do dhéanamh forála i dtaobh iarratas sracléaráide, folaíonn sé cead a thugtar ar iarratas den sórt sin.
Leasuithe ar alt 15 den Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851.
17.—(1) D'ainneoin aon ní in alt 15 den Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851, leanfaidh gach barántas chun seilbh a sheachadadh, nó chun dul isteach agus seilbh a thabhairt, ar theaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1) (ach nach teaghais dá dtagraítear in alt 8 (2)), i bhfeidhm go ceann sé mhí ón lá díreach i ndiaidh an lae dheiridh a bheidh ainmnithe san ordú chun seilbh a sheachadadh nó, i gcás barántas faoin Acht sin, ó dháta eisithe an bharántais, agus i gceachtar cás, go ceann cibé tréimhse nó tréimhsí breise a ordóidh an Chúirt ó am go ham, má ordaíonn, cibé acu roimh na sé mhí sin a bheith caite nó dá éis sin é.
(2) Beidh feidhm ag alt 15 den Acht sin maidir le teaghais den sórt sin mura mó ná deich bpunt a luacháil inrátaithe, d'ainneoin gur mó ná punt sa mhí an cíos.
Cumhachtaí na Cúirte in imeachtaí eisiachtana.
18.—(1) I gcás ina ndéanfaidh an Chúirt, nó ina ndearna an Chúirt roimh dháta thosach feidhme an Achta seo, ordú chun seilbh a aisghabháil ar theaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), féadfaidh an Chúirt, tráth an ordaithe a dhéanamh nó aon tráth roimh é a fhorghníomhú, forghníomhú an ordaithe a bhacadh nó dáta an tsealbhaithe a chur siar go ceann cibé tréimhse nó tréimhsí, agus faoi réir cibé coinníollacha, is oiriúnach leis an gCúirt agus, má chomhlíontar na coinníollacha sin, féadfaidh an Chúirt, más oiriúnach léi, an t-ordú a urscaoileadh nó a athrú.
(2) I gcás ina ndéanfaidh an Chúirt, faoi fho-alt (1), forghníomhú ordaithe d'aisghabháil seilbhe a bhacadh nó dáta an tsealbhaithe a chur siar, féadfaidh an Chúirt ó am go ham, ar iarratas is féidir a dhéanamh ex parte i gcás éigeandála, forghníomhú an ordaithe a bhacadh tuilleadh nó dáta an tsealbhaithe a chur siar tuilleadh.
Ordú seilbhe a gheofar trí mhífhaisnéis.
19.—Más dóigh leis an gCúirt gur trí mhífhaisnéis nó trí fhíorais ábhartha a cheilt a fuair an tiarna talún ordú chun seilbh a aisghabháil ar theaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), féadfaidh an Chúirt a ordú don tiarna talún cibé suim is réasúnach leis an gCúirt a íoc leis an ationónta mar chúiteamh in aon damáiste nó caillteanas a bhain don tionónta mar gheall ar an ordú seilbhe.
An tiarna talún do ghlacadh cíosa tar éis imeachtaí a thionscnamh.
20.—I gcás ina ndéanfaidh tiarna talún teaghaise, is teaghais lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), imeachtaí a thionscnamh chun seilbh na teaghaise a aisghabháil, ní dhéanfaidh sé dochar do cheart an tiarna talún (más aon cheart é) chun seilbh na teaghaise a aisghabháil é do ghlacadh aon suime a airbheartóidh gur cíos í in aghaidh na tréimhse ó dháta thionscnamh na n-imeachtaí go dtí an dáta ar a ndéanfar an cinneadh deiridh orthu agus, má dhéantar ordú seilbhe, áireofar mar fhoghailbhrabúis aon suim a glacadh amhlaidh.
Dlínse na Cúirte Dúiche.
21.—(1) Beidh dlínse ag an gCúirt Dúiche gach saincheist faoin gCuid seo a éisteacht agus a chinneadh.
(2) Beidh dlínse na Cúirte arna feidhmiú ag breitheamh den Chúirt Dúiche a bheidh sannta de thuras na huaire don dúiche ina bhfuil an teaghais ar ina leith a bheidh an dlínse á feidhmiú.
Srian le hachtacháin a bhaineann le talamh socraithe.
22.—Má tharlaíonn, faoi alt 9, go dtiocfaidh céile an tionónta bhunaidh chun bheith ina tionónta teaghaise ní mheasfar, chun críocha aon achtacháin a bhaineann le talamh socraithe, gur faoi shocraíocht a fuarthas leas an chéile.
Liúntais chíosa do thionóntaí.
23.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire Leasa Shóisialaigh, le toiliú an Aire Airgeadais, rialacháin a dhéanamh chun liúntais a íoc as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas le tionóntaí teaghaisí, is teaghaisí lena mbaineann alt 8 (1), arbh ábhar cruatain dóibh thairis sin méaduithe ar chíosanna a dteaghaisí.
(2) Beidh an teideal chun liúntais, agus méid agus íoc an liúntais sin, faoi réir cibé coinníollacha agus teorainneacha a shonrófar sna rialacháin.
(3) Beidh éifeacht le fo-ailt (2) agus (3) d'alt 3 den Acht Leasa Shóisialaigh (Comhdhlúthú), 1981, maidir le rialacháin faoin alt seo agus féadfaidh na rialacháin aon fhorálacha eile de chuid an Achta sin nó aon fhorálacha arna ndéanamh faoin Acht sin a chur chun feidhme (le modhnú nó gan mhodhnú) nó féadfaidh siad forálacha a dhéanamh ar comhréir leo sin (le modhnú nó gan mhodhnú).
(4) Déanfar aon chaiteachas faoina rachaidh an tAire Leasa Shóisialaigh nó Aire ar bith eile chun éifeacht a thabhairt don alt seo a íoc, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais é, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
CUID III
Teaghaisí Cíosa—Clárú, Cíos-Leabhair, Caighdeáin
Teaghaisí cíosa a chlárú.
24.—(1) Déanfaidh an tAire rialacháin á cheangal ar thiarnaí talún aon aicme teaghaise a bheidh ligthe ar cíos tionóntacht gach teaghaise acu a chlárú leis an údarás tithíochta ar ina limistéar feidhmiúcháin a bheidh an teaghais agus cibé sonraí a thabhairt a shonróidh na rialacháin, lena n-áirítear ainm agus seoladh an tiarna talún agus an tionónta agus méid an chíosa.
(2) Sna rialacháin beidh cibé forálacha a mheasfaidh an tAire is gá chun críocha an ailt seo.
(3) Forálfaidh na rialacháin go gcuirfear ag gabháil le hiarratas ar theaghais a chlárú cibé táille a fhorordóidh an tAire ó am go ham le rialacháin.
(4) Coimeádfaidh údarás tithíochta clár (dá ngairtear an clár san alt seo) chun críocha an ailt seo i leith na dteaghaisí go léir i limistéar feidhmiúcháin an údaráis lena mbaineann rialacháin faoin alt seo agus cuirfidh an t-údarás sa chlár na taifid sin go léir is iomchuí ó am go ham de réir an ailt seo agus de réir rialachán arna ndéanamh ag an Aire.
(5) Coimeádfar an clár ag oifigí an údaráis tithíochta agus beidh sé ar fáil lena iniúchadh le linn gnáth-uaire oifige.
(6) Aon doiciméad a airbheartaíonn gur cóip é de thaifead sa chlár agus a bheith deimhnithe mar chóip dhílis ag oifigeach don údarás tithíochta is fianaise prima facie é ar an taifead agus ní gá a chruthú gurb é síniú an oifigigh sin é ná gurbh é an t-oifigeach sin a bhí ann dáiríre.
(7) Féadfar fianaise faoi thaifead sa chlár a thabhairt trí chóip den taifead, agus í deimhnithe de réir fho-alt (6), a thabhairt ar aird agus ní gá an clár a thabhairt ar aird.
(8) I gcás iarratas a dhéanamh chun údaráis tithíochta ar chóip de thaifead sa chlár, déanfar an chóip a eisiúint chun an iarratasóra ar é d'íoc cibé táille (más aon táille í) maidir le gach taifead a fhorordóidh an tAire le rialacháin ó am go ham.
(9) Déanfar na táillí go léir a gheobhaidh údarás tithíochta de bhua rialachán faoin alt seo a íoc, i gcás comhairle contae, isteach i gciste an chontae agus, i gcás bardas contaebhuirge nó buirge eile nó comhairle cheantair uirbigh, isteach i gciste an bhardais.
Cíos-leabhair.
25.—(1) Déanfaidh an tAire rialacháin á cheangal ar thiarnaí talún aon aicme teaghaise a bheidh ligthe ar cíos cíos-leabhar nó doiciméad eile dá shamhail a sholáthar do thionónta teaghaise den aicme sin lena úsáid i leith na teaghaise.
(2) Forordóidh na rialacháin, i ndáil leis an gcíos-leabhar nó an doiciméad dá shamhail—
(a) na sonraí a bheidh le cur ann,
(b) ceanglais faoina úsáid go cóir, agus
(c) cibé nithe eile a mheasfaidh an tAire is gá.
Caighdeáin do theaghaisí cíosa.
26.—(1) Déanfaidh an tAire rialacháin a fhorordóidh caighdeáin d'aon aicme teaghaise a bheidh ligthe ar cíos.
(2) Forordóidh na rialacháin, go sonrach, caighdeáin maidir leis na nithe seo a leanas—
(a) cineál agus bail na cóiríochta, na hiarmhaise agus na bhfearas,
(b) na teaghaisí a choimeád i ndeisriocht agus i leorstaid ghlaineachta,
(c) aerú agus soilsiú,
(d) soláthairtí uisce, saoráidí sláintíochta agus draenáil a chur ar fáil,
(e) téamh agus cócaireacht, agus
(f) cóiríocht chun bia a stóráil agus saoráidí lena réiteach.
(3) Féadfaidh duine a bheidh údaraithe chuige sin ag an údarás tithíochta dul isteach gach uile thráth réasúnach in aon teaghais lena mbaineann rialacháin faoin alt seo agus an teaghais a iniúchadh.
(4) I gcás nach mbeidh ceanglas de chuid rialacháin á chomhlíonadh, féadfaidh an t-údarás tithíochta, tar éis fógra 21 lá ar a laghad i scríbhinn a thabhairt do thiarna talún agus do thionónta na teaghaise i gceist, aon obair is gá a dhéanamh chun a áirithiú go gcomhlíonann an teaghais ceanglais na rialachán agus féadfaidh an t-údarás aon chaiteachais a thabhóidh sé go réasúnach i ndáil leis sin a ghnóthú ón tiarna talún mar fhiach conartha shimplí i gcúirt dlínse inniúla.
(5) Féadfaidh tiarna talún ar a seirbheálfar fógra faoi fho-alt (4) achomharc a dhéanamh chun na Cúirte Dúiche sa dúiche Cúirte Dúiche ina bhfuil an teaghais i gceist á iarraidh uirthi an fógra a chur ar ceal agus ní dhéanfaidh an t-údáras tithíochta obair ar bith go dtí go ndéanfar cinneadh ar an acomharc.
(6) Ar theacht i ngníomh do rialacháin faoin alt seo maidir le haicme teaghaise, scoirfidh aon fhodhlíthe faoi alt 70 d'Acht na dTithe, 1966, a bheidh i bhfeidhm maidir leis an aicme teaghaise sin, d'éifeacht a bheith leo agus ní dhéanfar aon fhodhlíthe dá éis sin faoin alt sin maidir leis an aicme teaghaise sin.
Cionta.
27.—(1) Aon duine a chuirfidh cosc ar dhuine a bheidh údaraithe go cuí faoi alt 26 (3) agus aon duine a sháróidh rialachán faoin gCuid seo beidh sé ciontach i gcion agus, ar é a chiontú go hachomair, dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £500 a chur air.
(2) I gcás ina gcruthófar maidir le cion faoi fho-alt (1) a rinne comhlacht corpraithe go ndearnadh é le toiliú nó le cúlcheadú, nó gurb inchurtha é i leith aon fhaillí ar thaobh, aon duine (nó aon duine ag gníomhú thar a cheann) is stiúrthóir, bainisteoir nó rúnaí de chuid an chomhlachta sin, beidh an duine sin nó an duine a bheidh ag gníomhú amhlaidh, cibé acu é, ciontach sa chion sin.
(3) Is é an t-údarás tithíochta a bheidh freagrach as rialacháin faoin gCuid seo a chur i bhfeidhm.
(4) Féadfaidh an t-údarás tithíochta cion faoin alt seo a ionchúiseamh.
(5) D'ainneoin alt 10 (4) den Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, féadfar imeachtaí maidir le cion faoin alt seo a thionscnamh tráth ar bith laistigh de dhá mhí dhéag ó dháta an chiona.
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
Na hAchtanna Uchtála, 1952 go 1976 | |
Achtanna na gCuideachtaí, 1963 agus 1977 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 1851, c. 93 |
Na hAchtanna Srianta Cíosa, 1960 go 1981 | |
Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 1851, c. 92 |
Number 6 of 1982
HOUSING (PRIVATE RENTED DWELLINGS) ACT, 1982
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General
Section | |
Tenancies of Certain Dwellings
Amendments of section 15 of Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851. | |
Acceptance of rent by landlord after institution of proceedings. | |
Rented Dwellings-Registration, Rent Books, Standards
Acts Referred to | |
Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1976 | |
Companies Acts, 1963 and 1977 | |
1976, No. 27 | |
1966, No. 21 | |
1971, No. 30 | |
1980, No. 10 | |
1963, No. 28 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 1851, c. 93 |
1960, No. 42 | |
1967, No. 10 | |
Rent Restrictions Acts, 1960 to 1981 | |
1981, No. 26 | |
1981, No. 1 | |
Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 1851, c. 92 |
Number 6 of 1982
HOUSING (PRIVATE RENTED DWELLINGS) ACT, 1982
PART I
Preliminary and General
Short title and commencement.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on such day as the Minister may appoint by order.
Interpretation generally.
2.—(1) In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires—
“the Court” means the District Court;
“dwelling” means a house let as a separate dwelling, or a part so let, of any house, whether or not the tenant shares with any other persons any portion thereof or any accommodation, amenity or facility in connection therewith;
“housing authority” means—-
(a) in the case of a county, exclusive of any borough or urban district therein, the council of the county,
(b) in the case of a county or other borough, the corporation of the borough, and
(c) in the case of an urban district, the council of the district,
and references to the functional area of a housing authority shall be construed accordingly;
“landlord” means the person for the time being entitled to receive (otherwise than as agent for another person) the rent payable in respect of a dwelling;
“the Minister” means the Minister for the Environment.
(2) A reference in this Act to a Part or a section is to a Part or a section of this Act unless it is indicated that reference to some other enactment is intended.
(3) A reference in this Act to a subsection, paragraph or other division is to the subsection, paragraph or other division of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended.
Expenses.
3.—The expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
Service of notices.
4.—(1) Where a notice or claim under this Act or any regulations made thereunder is to be given to or served on a person, it shall be addressed to him and shall be given to or served on him in some one of the following ways:
(a) where it is addressed to him by name, by delivering it to him;
(b) by leaving it at the address at which he ordinarily resides or, in a case in which an address for service has been furnished, at that address;
(c) by sending it by post in a prepaid registered letter addressed to him at the address at which he ordinarily resides or, in a case in which an address for service has been furnished, at that address.
(2) For the purposes of this section, a company registered under the Companies Acts, 1963 and 1977, shall be deemed to be ordinarily resident at its registered office, and every other body corporate and every unincorporated body shall be deemed to be ordinarily resident at its principal office or place of business.
(3) Where a notice or claim under this Act or any regulations made thereunder is given or served on behalf of a person, it shall be deemed to be given or served by that person.
Laying of regulations before Houses of the Oireachtas.
5.—Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either such House within the next subsequent 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Repeals.
6.—The Rent Restrictions Act, 1960, the Rent Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1967, and sections 10 and 11 of the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act, 1971, are hereby repealed.
PART II
Tenancies of Certain Dwellings
Interpretation (Part II).
7.—(1) In this Part, except where the context otherwise requires—
“the Act of 1980” means the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act, 1980;
“dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates” means a dwelling to which, by virtue of that provision, this Part applies;
“improvement” means any addition to or alteration of a dwelling carried out by the tenant or any of his predecessors in title on or after the 31st day of December, 1960, which adds to the letting value of the dwelling and includes any addition or alteration connected with the provision of any services to the dwelling, but does not include work of repairing (except where such work was the responsibility of the landlord and he failed to carry out the work), painting and decorating or any of them;
“tenant” means the person for the time being entitled to the possession of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates and includes a person—
(a) who would, at the commencement of this Act, be the tenant of the dwelling if the Rent Restrictions Act, 1960, and the Rent Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1967, had full force and effect at all times from their passing until such commencement, and
(b) who is in possession of the dwelling at such commencement, and
(c) whose tenancy is not a tenancy in respect of which an order for possession has been made under section 5 of the Rent Restrictions (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1981.
(2) For the purposes of this Part, a person shall be deemed to be a member of the family of a tenant if—
(a) such person is the tenant's father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, step-father, step-mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, nephew, niece, grandson, granddaughter, step-son, step-daughter, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, uncle or aunt;
or
(b) such person is adopted by the tenant under the Adoption Acts, 1952 to 1976, or is the illegitimate offspring of the tenant (being the mother or the reputed father of such offspring) or is a person who was in bona fide residence with the tenant for not less than six years before the tenant's death where the tenant was in loco parentis to that person.
Application of this Part.
8.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), this Part applies to every dwelling which would, at the commencement of this Act, be a controlled dwelling within the meaning of the Rent Restrictions Acts, 1960 to 1981, if those Acts had full force and effect at such commencement, other than such a dwelling held at such commencement under a contract of tenancy for greater than from year to year during such period as it is so held.
(2) Sections 9 and 16 do not apply to—
(a) a dwelling let to a person in connection with his continuance in any office, appointment or employment,
or
(b) a dwelling let bona fide for the temporary convenience or to meet a temporary necessity of the landlord or the tenant.
(3) Where—
(a) the entitlement of a tenant to retain possession of a dwelling to which subsection (1) relates ceases to subsist, or
(b) the tenant of the dwelling assigns or sublets his tenancy, or
(c) the landlord of the dwelling recovers possession of the dwelling,
this Part shall cease to apply to the dwelling.
(4) Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subsection (3) shall not affect the entitlement of a tenant to compensation under section 15.
Entitlement of tenants to retain possession.
9.— (1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person (in this section referred to as the original tenant) who, immediately before the commencement of this Act, was a tenant of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates (not being a dwelling referred to in section 8 (2)) shall be entitled to retain possession as the tenant of the dwelling and that entitlement shall subsist during the lifetime of that person.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person being the spouse of the original tenant shall, upon the death of that tenant, if bona fide residing in the dwelling at the time of his death, be entitled to retain possession as the tenant of the dwelling and that entitlement shall subsist during the lifetime of the spouse.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this Part, a person being a member of the family of the original tenant shall—
(a) if that tenant dies within the relevant period, upon the death of that tenant, or
(b) where the spouse of that tenant has become the tenant by virtue of subsection (2) and dies within the relevant period, upon the death of the spouse,
if bona fide residing in the dwelling at such death, be entitled to retain possession as the tenant of the dwelling and that entitlement shall subsist during the period beginning on the date of such death and ending on the expiration of the relevant period.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Part, where a member of the family of the original tenant becomes, by virtue of subsection (3) or this subsection, the tenant of the dwelling concerned and dies within the relevant period, a person being another member of that family shall, upon such death, if bona fide residing in the dwelling at such death, be entitled to retain possession as the tenant of the dwelling and that entitlement shall subsist during the period beginning on the date of such death and ending on the expiration of the relevant period.
(5) Where, in the circumstances described in subsection (3) or (4), more than one member of the original tenant's family was at the time of the relevant death bona fide residing in the dwelling, such one member of the family as may be agreed upon between them or, in default of agreement, as may be selected by the Court shall, subject to the provisions of this Part, be the person entitled to retain possession of the dwelling under this section.
(6) Notwithstanding subsections (3) and (4), where less than five years of the relevant period remain unexpired on the date that a member of the family of the original tenant becomes the tenant of a dwelling under this section, the entitlement of that member to retain possession of the dwelling shall subsist during the period beginning on that date and ending on the expiration of five years.
(7) In this section “relevant period” means the period of twenty years beginning on the commencement of this Act.
(8) Entitlement under this section to retain possession of a dwelling shall cease to subsist where possession of the dwelling is recovered by the landlord.
Surrender of dwelling.
10.—(1) The tenant of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates may surrender the dwelling to the landlord on giving to the landlord not less than one month's notice in writing of his intention to surrender the dwelling.
(2) For the removal of any doubt, it is hereby declared that the surrender of a dwelling under subsection (1) shall, for the purposes of the Family Home Protection Act, 1976, be taken to be a conveyance of an interest in the dwelling.
Terms of tenancies.
11.—(1) The terms of every tenancy of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates shall be such terms as are agreed between the landlord and the tenant or, in default of agreement, as shall be fixed by the Court.
(2) Whenever, after the commencement of this Act, the rent of a dwelling is increased by agreement between the landlord and the tenant or by the Court, the amount of the increase shall not be payable until—
(a) the terms of the tenancy have been set out in written form and signed by the landlord or his agent and a copy thereof has been furnished by the landlord to the tenant, and
(b) if regulations under section 24 are in force, the landlord has complied with the requirements of such regulations.
Terms of tenancy where fixed by the Court.
12.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), the landlord or the tenant of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates may at any time apply to the Court for an order fixing the terms of the tenancy and the Court may make such order as justice may require and such order shall be binding on the landlord and the tenant unless varied by a subsequent order of the Court.
(2) Where the Court has fixed the terms of a tenancy under subsection (1), the landlord or the tenant may not apply to the Court to fix new terms of the tenancy until the expiration of five years from the date of the last order of the Court fixing the terms of the tenancy.
(3) An application under this section may be made notwithstanding any agreement between the landlord and tenant fixing the terms of the tenancy, whether such agreement was entered into before or after the commencement of this Act.
(4) If any dispute, failure or question arises or occurs in the carrying out of an order under this section the Court may, on the application of the landlord or the tenant, make such order as justice may require.
(5) The landlord or tenant making an application under subsection (1) shall give one month's notice in writing to the other party of his intention to make the application.
(6) The landlord shall be liable for the tenant's costs and expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred arising out of an application by the landlord to the Court under this section unless the Court, on consideration of all the circumstances, including the means of the landlord and the tenant, otherwise orders.
Fixing of rent by the Court.
13.—(1) Where the terms of a tenancy are fixed by the Court under section 12, the rent of the dwelling shall be the gross rent reduced by an allowance for any improvements, and any such allowance shall be such proportion of the gross rent as is, in the opinion of the Court, attributable to the improvements.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the gross rent shall be the rent which, in the opinion of the Court, would be a just and proper rent having regard to the nature, character and location of the dwelling, the other terms of the tenancy, the means of the landlord and the tenant, the date of purchase of the dwelling by the landlord and the amount paid by him therefor, the length of the tenant's occupancy of the dwelling and the number and ages of the tenant's family residing in the dwelling.
Compensation for loss.
14.—(1) Where the terms of a tenancy are fixed by the Court under section 12, the Court may, in respect of the period from the date of the service of notice of intention under subsection (5) of that section and the date of the order of the Court, order the landlord or the tenant, as the case may require, to pay to the other party an amount not exceeding the difference between the new rent fixed by the Court and the existing rent.
(2) The amount ordered by the Court to be paid under subsection (1) shall be paid in such manner and over such period as the Court may direct having regard to all the circumstances of the case.
Compensation for improvements.
15.—(1) The tenant of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates shall, upon quitting the dwelling, be entitled to be paid by the landlord compensation for improvements and the amount of the compensation shall be such sum as may be agreed between the landlord and the tenant or, in default of agreement, as shall be determined by the Court.
(2) Where compensation is determined by the Court the amount shall be the capitalised value of such addition to the letting value of the dwelling at the time of quitting which is attributable to the improvements, having regard to the probable life of the improvements and all other relevant circumstances.
(3) Where compensation for improvements is payable the Court may deduct from the compensation as ascertained under subsection (2) such sum as it considers reasonable—
(a) if the Court is satisfied that the tenant or his predecessors in title has received from the landlord benefits by way of reduction of rent or otherwise in consideration, expressly or impliedly, of the improvements having been made, or
(b) if an order for possession has been granted for a reason specified in section 16 (1) (a), (b) or (c), to compensate the landlord for any rent due or any loss incurred arising from the reasons for which the order for possession was granted.
(4) A tenant seeking compensation under this section shall serve a claim in writing on the landlord either before or after he has quit the dwelling concerned and shall give all particulars relevant to the claim, but a claim may not be served later than three months after such quitting.
(5) Compensation for improvements payable by a landlord under this section shall be payable in such manner and over such period as may be agreed between the landlord and the tenant or as the Court may direct.
(6) A tenant shall not be entitled to compensation under this section—
(a) in respect of improvements made in contravention of any obligation of the tenancy agreement under which the dwelling concerned was let unless the Court considers that, in the circumstances, the carrying out of the improvements was reasonable, or
(b) where compensation has been paid in respect of the dwelling under Part IV of the Act of 1980.
(7) Where compensation is paid under this section in respect of a dwelling, no right to compensation for improvements to that dwelling shall lie under Part IV of the Act of 1980.
Recovery of possession.
16.—(1) Notwithstanding the right to retain possession under section 9, the Court may, on the application of the landlord of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates (not being a dwelling referred to in section 8 (2)), grant an order for the recovery of possession of the dwelling if the Court considers it reasonable to make the order and—
(a) any rent lawfully due by the tenant has not been paid or any other obligation of the tenant under the tenancy has not been fulfilled by him, or
(b) any person (being the tenant or any person residing in the dwelling) has been guilty of conduct which the Court is satisfied is a nuisance or annoyance to the landlord or his agent or to adjoining occupiers or has used the dwelling or allowed it to be used for any immoral or illegal purpose (whether or not the person has been convicted of so using it or allowing it to be so used), or
(c) the condition of the dwelling has, in the opinion of the Court, deteriorated owing to acts of waste by, or the neglect or default of the tenant or any person residing in the dwelling, or
(d) the dwelling is bona fide required by the landlord—
(i) for occupation as a residence for himself or any person bona fide residing or to reside with him, or
(ii) for occupation as a residence for a person in the wholetime employment of the landlord, or
(iii) in the interests of good estate management, or
(e) the landlord requires vacant possession to carry out a scheme of development of property which includes the dwelling and has planning permission for the scheme,
and, as respects recovery of possession under paragraph (d) or (e), the landlord pays such sum as the Court considers reasonable to meet the expenses incurred by the tenant in quitting the dwelling, together with a sum not exceeding three years' rent of alternative accommodation which is reasonably suited to the residential and other needs of the tenant, his spouse and his family bona fide residing with him in the dwelling.
(2) The Court, in considering if it is reasonable to make an order for recovery of possession, shall have regard to the extent (if any) to which the conduct of the landlord contributed to the existence of the grounds upon which he relies in support of his application for recovery of possession.
(3) Nothing in this Part shall prevent a local authority from obtaining possession of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates which is reasonably required for the purpose of the execution of their powers, functions and duties.
(4) In this section—
“development” has the meaning assigned by section 3 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963;
“planning permission” means a permission for the development of land where required by and granted under Part IV of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, and, where regulations under section 25 of that Act make provision for outline applications, includes a permission granted on such an application.
Amendments of section 15 of Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851.
17.—(1) Notwithstanding anything in section 15 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1851, every warrant for delivery of possession of, or to enter and give possession of, a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates (not being a dwelling referred to in section 8 (2)) shall remain in force for six months from the day next after the last day named in the order for delivery of possession or, in the case of a warrant under that Act, from the date of the issue of the warrant, and in either case for such further period or periods, if any, as the Court shall from time to time, whether before or after the expiration of such six months, direct.
(2) Section 15 of the said Act shall apply to such dwelling if the rateable valuation thereof does not exceed ten pounds, notwithstanding that the rent exceeds one pound by the month.
Powers of Court in ejectment proceedings.
18.—(1) Where an order for the recovery of possession of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates is made by the Court or was so made before the commencement of this Act, the Court may, at the time of the order or at any time before the execution thereof, stay execution on the order or postpone the date of possession for such period or periods and subject to such conditions as the Court thinks fit, and if such conditions are complied with the Court may, if it thinks fit, discharge or vary the order.
(2) Where the Court, under subsection (1), stays execution on an order for the recovery of possession or postpones the date of possession, the Court may from time to time, on application which may in case of urgency be made ex parte, further stay execution on the order or further postpone the date of possession.
Order for possession obtained by misrepresentation.
19.—Where it appears to the Court that an order for the recovery of possession of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates was obtained by the landlord by misrepresentation or concealment of material facts, the Court may order the landlord to pay to the former tenant such sum as the Court considers reasonable by way of compensation for damage or loss sustained by the tenant as a result of the order for possession.
Acceptance of rent by landlord after institution of proceedings.
20.—Where the landlord of a dwelling to which section 8 (1) relates institutes proceedings for the recovery of possession of the dwelling, the acceptance of any sum purporting to be rent by the landlord for the period from the date of the institution of the proceedings to the date on which they are finally determined shall not prejudice his right (if any) to recover possession of the dwelling and, if an order for possession is made, any such sum so accepted shall be treated as mesne profits.
Jurisdiction of District Court.
21.—(1) The District Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all issues arising under this Part.
(2) The jurisdiction of the Court shall be exercised by a justice of the District Court for the time being assigned to the district in which is situated the dwelling in relation to which the jurisdiction is exercised.
Restriction of enactments relating to settled land.
22.—Where the spouse of the original tenant becomes, under section 9, the tenant of a dwelling, the interest of the spouse shall not, for the purposes of any enactments relating to settled land, be regarded as having been acquired under a settlement.
Rent allowances for tenants.
23.—(1) The Minister for Social Welfare may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, make regulations for the payment out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas of allowances to the tenants of dwellings to which section 8 (1) relates who would otherwise suffer hardship by reason of increases in the rents of their dwellings.
(2) Entitlement to an allowance and the amount and the payment thereof shall be subject to such conditions and limitations as may be specified in the regulations.
(3) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 3 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 1981, shall have effect in relation to regulations under this section and the regulations may apply (with or without modification), or make provisions corresponding (with or without modification) to, any other provisions of, or any provisions made under, that Act.
(4) Any expenses incurred by the Minister for Social Welfare or any other Minister in carrying this section into effect shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
PART III
Rented Dwellings-Registration, Rent Books, Standards.
Registration of rented dwellings.
24.—(1) The Minister shall make regulations requiring the landlords of any class of dwelling let for rent to register the tenancy of each dwelling with the housing authority in whose functional area the dwelling is situated and to furnish such particulars as the regulations may specify, including the name and address of the landlord and of the tenant and the amount of the rent.
(2) The regulations shall contain such provisions as the Minister considers necessary for the purposes of this section.
(3) The regulations shall provide that an application to register a dwelling shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister by regulations.
(4) A housing authority shall keep a register (in this section referred to as the register) for the purposes of this section in respect of all dwellings in the functional area of the authority to which regulations under this section relate and shall make all such entries therein as may from time to time be appropriate in accordance with this section and regulations made by the Minister.
(5) The register shall be kept at the offices of the housing authority and shall be available for inspection during normal office hours.
(6) A document purporting to be a copy of an entry in the register and to be certified by an officer of the housing authority as a correct copy shall be prima facie evidence of the entry and it shall not be necessary to prove the signature of such officer or that he was in fact such officer.
(7) Evidence of an entry in the register may be given by the production of a copy thereof certified in accordance with subsection (6) and it shall not be necessary to produce the register.
(8) Where an application is made to a housing authority for a copy of an entry in the register, the copy shall be issued to the applicant on payment by him of such fee (if any) in respect of each entry as the Minister may, from time to time, prescribe by regulations.
(9) All fees received by a housing authority by virtue of regulations under this section shall be paid, in the case of a council of a county, into the county fund and, in the case of a corporation of a county or other borough or the council of an urban district, into the municipal fund.
Rent books.
25.—(1) The Minister shall make regulations requiring the landlords of any class of dwelling let for rent to provide the tenant of a dwelling of such class with a rent book or other similar document for use in respect of the dwelling.
(2) The regulations shall prescribe, in relation to the rent book or similar document—
(a) the particulars to be contained therein,
(b) requirements regarding its proper use, and
(c) such other matters as the Minister considers necessary.
Standards for rented dwellings.
26.—(1) The Minister shall make regulations prescribing standards for any class of dwelling let for rent.
(2) In particular, the regulations shall prescribe standards in relation to—
(a) the quality and condition of the accommodation, furnishings and appliances,
(b) the maintenance of the dwellings in good repair and in an adequate state of cleanliness,
(c) ventilation and lighting,
(d) the provision of water supplies, sanitary facilities and drainage,
(e) heating and cooking, and
(f) accommodation for the storage of and facilities for the preparation of food.
(3) A person authorised for the purpose by the housing authority may at all reasonable times enter and inspect any dwelling to which regulations under this section apply.
(4) Where a requirement of a regulation is not being complied with, the housing authority may, after giving not less than 21 days notice in writing to the landlord and the tenant of the dwelling concerned, carry out any work necessary to ensure that the dwelling complies with the requirements of the regulations and may recover as a simple contract debt in a court of competent jurisdiction from the landlord any expenses reasonably incurred by the authority in that behalf.
(5) A landlord upon whom a notice is served under subsection (4) may appeal to the District Court in the District Court district in which the dwelling concerned is situate to have the notice set aside and no work shall be carried out by the housing authority until the appeal is determined.
(6) Upon the coming into operation of regulations under this section relating to a class of dwelling, any bye-laws under section 70 of the Housing Act, 1966, in force in relation to that class of dwelling shall cease to have effect and no bye-laws shall thereafter be made under that section in relation to that class of dwelling.
Offences.
27.—(1) A person who obstructs a person duly authorised under section 26 (3) and a person who contravenes a regulation under this Part shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £500.
(2) Where an offence under subsection (1) which is committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any person (or any person acting on his behalf) being a director, manager or secretary of such body, that person or the person so acting, as the case may be, shall be guilty of that offence.
(3) The housing authority shall be responsible for the enforcement of regulations under this Part.
(4) An offence under this section may be prosecuted by the housing authority.
(5) Notwithstanding section 10(4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, proceedings for an offence under this section may be instituted at any time within twelve months after the date of the offence.