No BER? Then No Rent Relief!

If you are a renter and claim rent relief, you may just be about to lose it! Our Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan has announced that rented properties that "do not meet the standards of the

However no need to panic ... totally though as this can work both ways. If your landlord doesn"t have a BER rating;

1. Yes, you could lose your rent relief but this could give you grounds to barter over your current monthly rent payment. If your Landlord doesn"t plan to spend money on a BER he might be willing to reduce your rent as he won"t want to lose his paying tenants.


Or



2. The proposed new change (due to come into effect by the end of the year) may encourage your Landlord to install proper insulation and therefore improve the overall living conditions in the house. Not only will you be cosier in the winter but your heating bills should shrink a bit.

However, ideally, your landlord should have / get a BER Certificate. Ask for one now! Not only can you continue claiming rent relief (which you are entitled to) but your house will also be more energy efficient, warmer and will save you money in the long run.

Also if you haven"t claimed relief on past rental properties I would advise you go do it now! Once the new law is introduced you may not be entitled to back date your rent relief if the property does not have a BER cert.

• Claim Rent Relief

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