Inspections

Limerick City and County Council is dedicated to improving the living standards of tenants in private rented housing. This is done through the inspection of private rented properties.

This section provides a countywide service, which deals with housing standards for private rented houses. However If a tenant is experiencing an issue in their property, they must always report it to the landlord in the first instance, before reporting the matter to Limerick City and County Council.


Housing Standards

The main objective of Housing Standards Regulations are to establish minimum standards in order to protect the health and well being of tenants and which makes 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 while let and while available for letting. 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 standards legislation and the technical guide document:

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

For Leases of more than 10 years, the dwellings must provide facilities to install white goods, but white goods do not have to be provided.

Prohibition Notices

A Prohibition Notice is served when the housing authority is of the opinion that a landlord has failed to comply with an Improvement Notice served on them and will be published on www.limerick.ie for public viewing.

  • 6 Little Glentworth Street, Limerick
  • 4 Presentation Court, Sexton Street, Limerick
     

Request an Inspection

If you are concerned that your privately rented accommodation might not be compliant with the minimum standards you should first bring the issue to the attention of your landlord and they must be given a reasonable opportunity to access the property and carry out any necessary repairs or improvements.

Your landlord has a legal obligation to ensure that your rented home is compliant with the minimum standards defined in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 S.I. No. 137/2019. 

If you are unsuccessful in having your landlord adequately resolve the issues with your privately rented dwelling then you may request an inspection of the dwelling.  To request a private rented inspection please contact Limerick City and County Council here.            

Before submitting an inspection request please be mindful of the following:

  • The functions of the inspection unit relate to inspection and enforcement of the Regulations in privately rented accommodation only. The unit does not deal with repair and maintenance requests from tenants in social housing owned by Limerick City and County Council, such requests should be directed to the Housing Maintenance Section
  • An inspection will only be carried out where the complaint relates specifically to a suspected non-compliance with the Regulations. Complaints which do not relate to the Regulations cannot be investigated.
  • A request form should only be submitted if you have already been unsuccessful in having your landlord address the problem adequately.
  • Only complaints from tenants resident in the rented dwelling will be investigated. Complaints lodged by third parties cannot be entertained.
  • Inspections will be carried out at the discretion of Limerick City and County Council.


Useful Links

  • The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government : - www.housing.gov.ie
  • Residential Tenancies Board - www.rtb.ie
  • Threshold - National Housing Organisation - www.threshold.ie
  • Guide to Minimum Standards in Rental Accommodation March 2024, click here
  • S.I. No. 137/2019 - Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, click here

Download the latest documents

This service is provided by

Housing Support Services

Phone +353 61 556000
Location
Limerick City and County Council, Merchant's Quay, Limerick, V94 EH90