Information for Tenants

Housing Standards and Inspections  

Meath County Council is dedicated to improving the living standards of tenants in private rented accommodation. This is done through an inspection of the private rented property in accordance with Government Regulations. However, if a tenant is experiencing an issue with their private rented accommodation, they should always report it to the landlord in the first instance. Tenants may then request a minimum standards inspection by emailing rtbinspections@meathcoco.ie. The Housing Inspection Team will endeavor to ensure timely inspections after a complaint is received. 

Minimum Standards for Private Rented Accommodation

The main objective of the Housing Standards Regulations is to establish minimum standards in order to protect the health and wellbeing of tenants and to make private rented houses safe and fit for habitation. 

Landlords are legally obliged to ensure that their private rented houses (which include a house, flat or an apartment) are maintained in good condition and repair and comply with the Regulations. Landlords failing to comply with their legal obligations in private rented houses are liable to be prosecuted, and on conviction, may be subject to a fine or imprisonment or both. 

The following are covered in detail under the housing minimum standards legislation: 

• Structural Condition
• Sanitary Facilities
• Heating Facilities
• Food Preparation and Storage and Laundry
• Ventilation
• Lighting
• Fire Safety
• Refuse
• Electricity and Gas 

Home Ventilation 

Good ventilation improves indoor air quality and creates healthy homes. Moisture, harmful pollutants and viruses can get trapped in buildings and ventilation helps remove them. Good ventilation helps keep your home dry and helps protect health. 

Inspections of Private Rented Accommodation  

In our role as a housing authority, Meath County Council are responsible for determining whether a property meets the Minimum Standards for rental accommodation. This is done through a Minimum Standards Inspection. Where a property does not comply, Meath County Council will engage with the Landlord to ensure works are complete. In order to obtain compliance, Improvement and Prohibition Notices and/or legal proceedings may be issued. 

Landlords and tenants are required to allow the Housing Authority access to the property to undertake inspections. 

If you are a tenant and you believe your private rented property does not comply with minimum standards, you should discuss this with the landlord. If you and your landlord cannot resolve this informally, you should contact the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board) for more information on your rights and responsibilities.   

Complaints 

If you are occupying accommodation which you suspect is not meeting the relevant minimum standards, you should in the first instance, contact your landlord in writing. Landlords must be given an opportunity to address the matter and complete any repairs.  

If you have notified your landlord regarding the need for repairs and the problem has not been addressed and rectified, then you may choose to refer the issue to the Housing Inspections Team at Meath County Council. Complaints can be emailed to rtbinspections@meathcoco.ie 

Complaints cannot be dealt with when:  

• They are anonymous.
• The matter does not relate to housing standards.
• There is insufficient information given to investigate.
• Complaints lodged by third parties cannot be acted upon. Only complaints from the resident Tenant will be investigated.  

If it is the opinion of the Housing Inspections Team at Meath County Council that the complaint requires investigation, an appointment will be made to inspect the property and further action taken if warranted. 

Inspection Request Form