‘The system is not fit for purpose.’

A local residents association has slammed the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for failing once again after it was found that more than one in three privately rented properties in the area surrounding University College Cork appears not to be registered by landlords, as required.

For the fourth time in six years a sample check by residents living near UCC showed that, of 269 privately rented properties in September 2022, a total of 99 properties appear not to be registered with the RTB.

The group claims that, of these 99 unregistered properties, 67 were first highlighted to the RTB in 2017 (five years ago).

The Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Residents Association raised their concerns again in February of this year when they wrote to Mr Niall Byrne, Director of RTB and to the Board of Management of the RTB.

Seven months later, they say they are still waiting on a promised response, despite the RTB replying that it takes the nonregistration of properties seriously.

“The non-compliance by landlords on their statutory requirement has serious consequences for tenants’ security of tenure, neighbours and the local community.” said Catherine Clancy, who is Chairperson of the Magazine Road and Surrounding Areas Resident Association.

“This results in a closed door or delays in resolving issues and with the RTB failing in their duty of care to us as a third party.

“The residents association believes the consistency of nonregistration of privately rented properties over many years requires a complete system change within the RTB if it is to fulfill its legal obligations, being the body that’s core function is to provide definitive data on the rental sector.

“A system that relies on landlords to self-regulate is not working for us as residents and in our experience is not fit for purpose.”