New standards have been published for rented accomodation since 2008 and have been in force since the 01st February, 2009. If an existing tenancy is already in place on this date, the standards should be met or come into force on the 01st February, 2013. An existing tenancy is one given as existing between 01st February, 2004 to 31st January, 2009. 

In short, the regulations state what the minimum standards should be for rented accomodation in Ireland. Most of it is straightforward and common sense but in brief, some of the particular standards required are;

- The property should be in a "proper state of structural repair" - no dampness whilst the roof, floors, ceiling, walls and stairs should be in good repair.

- A bathroom should be equipped with bath or shower whilst hot and cold water should be available in the house.

- Every room used for habitation should have an appliance capable of providing heat.

- Every room should have a suitable means of ventiliation to remove fumes and / or vapour. 

- The property should be provided with:

                 4 ring hob with oven & grill

                 Fridge-freezer

                 Microwave oven

                 Hot & cold water

                 Food presses for storage

                 Washing machine or access to a washing machine.

                 Where there are no external facilities for drying clothes, a dryer should be provided. 

The House should contain a fire blanket and either a mains-wired smoke alarm or at least two 10 year self-contained battery operated smoke alarms.

In the case of a multi unit building (eg an apartment block), there should be a mains wired smoke alarm, fire blanket & evacuation plan provided. In addition, emergency lighting linked to the fire alarm system should be provided in common areas.