Rented Accommodation - Frequently Asked Questions

All private rental properties are liable for inspection by the Local Authority to determine whether a property meets the standards for rental accommodation in accordance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) properties

Inspections are scheduled within 8 months of commencement of a new HAP tenancy. 

A re-inspection of the property will then occur every 6-8 weeks from the previous inspection until either the property passes (resulting in no further inspection required for a period of 4 years) or until a new tenancy starts.

All other rented residential properties 

Unlike HAP properties, all other rented residential properties are not required to be inspected within a set time period from the date of tenancy commencement. Properties will have their first inspection in due course and are revisited every 6-8 weeks until they are compliant. 

Properties that have passed the inspection are exempt from reinspection for a period of 4 years. If a new tenancy starts during this 4-year period, a new inspection will take place in due course.

Landlords and Tenants are required to allow the Housing Authority access to the property to undertake inspections. Failure to allow access will be deemed an obstruction.

Where a Tenant is unavailable on a scheduled inspection date, they may wish to nominate a person (over 18 years of age) to allow the inspector access to the property. This person can be anyone of the Tenants choosing such as a relative, neighbour or friend.

We will do our best to reschedule inspections where adequate notice is given by the Tenant/ Landlord. Where notice of cancellation is not given the property will receive an automatic fail.

It is not mandatory for the Landlord to be present at an inspection, however, it is recommended that they be present as they can discuss and clarify, with the inspector, any faults that are found during the inspection.

The inspection report will be issued to both the Landlord and Tenant after the inspection is complete either via email or post.

Properties that fail an inspection will be re-inspected 6-8 weeks from previous inspection date. This allows the landlord time to rectify any fail points on the report.

Both Landlord and Tenant will be advised of any follow up inspection date via email / post if required.

Where the authorised officer does not gain access to the property on the day of inspection, the property will automatically fail the inspection.

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. 

To request an inspection please fill out the request form above and email to rtbinspections@meathcoco.ie or by calling 046-9097295.

The Housing Inspection team at Meath County Council does not have any remit in this area of Landlord / Tenant disputes and cannot facilitate mediation services. The Residential Tenancies Board can assist you with this. Please visit https://www.rtb.ie/ for more information.