The Residential Tenancies Board ("RTB") (formerly
PRTB) was established back in 2004 by the Residential Tenancies Act
2004. Since 2015 in particular, there has been a steady flow of
amendments to this legislation, generally in favour of tenants. The
Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 ("2019 Act")
is no different and with some exceptions, strengthens protection
for tenants in the rental market. While these changes may be easier
to absorb for institutional landlords, they will make life more
difficult for non-professional landlords. The content of the
legislation should bring no surprises to anyone watching the PRS
market. Given the government focus on the sector – due to
increased rental levels, lack of availability of quality
accommodation and so on - the introduction of sanctions and greater
policing powers for the RTB was inevitable.
