Leitrim councillor calls for mandatory attic insulation inspections in private rentals

Local authorities are responsible for enforcing minimum standards in rented accommodation. These standards include access to a washing machine, a fridge, freezer and ensuring that electricity or gas supplies are safe and in good repair.

However, attic insulation is not among the items inspected in private rental properties, a concern raised by Cllr Róisín Kenny at March’s Leitrim County Council meeting.

She called on Leitrim County Council to contact the Department of Housing regarding insulation requirements for rental properties, requesting that a minimum level of attic insulation be added to the list of items inspected in private rental inspections carried out by the local authority.

“On that list they check various things such as washing machines and vents but there’s no requirement for insulation,” she said.

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Cllr Kenny pointed out that landlords receive between €800 to €1,000 a month in rent, yet they are not concerned with how much tenants must pay in oil and electricity to heat their homes.

“In my opinion, the least a person could expect is that there’s attic insulation at the very minimum,” she said.

Mary Quinn, Director of Services for Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services, confirmed that a letter will be issued to the Department.

Cllr Paddy O’Rourke noted that Cllr Kenny’s motion was widely supported and agreed it would be a positive improvement.

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