Landlords Will Face Fines Of Up To €3,000 If They Falsely Claim To Be Selling Their Houses

Proposals will go before the Cabinet today that would see landlords fined up to €3,000 if they are found to be lying about selling their houses.

At the moment, landlords may evict tenants with ease if they are selling the property or if they need it for their own family.

This proposal would combat the abuse of these conditions by forcing property owners to sign a legal declaration if they actually intend on selling.

This comes shortly after the announcement that rental prices will soon be fixed for two year periods. Pat Doyle, CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust, believes these are positive changes for Ireland's housing crisis,

I welcome the news that a deal has been agreed. The reports that rents will now be fixed for two years is good news for tenants and I believe the measure will help rein in rent price increases that have played a huge role in new cases of homelessness this year.

A housing group called Property Industry Ireland are now calling for the appointment of a Minister for Housing to reduce political squabbling in this area and provide "much-needed leadership".