Adhering to the Minimum Standards in Rented Accommodation 2017 Guidelines (S.I 17/2017)

ORS is currently working with Meath County Council to inspect 1,200 rented properties.    

The properties are being inspected to ensure compliance with The Minimum Standards in Rented Accommodation 2017 guidelines (S.I 17/2017). The key inspection areas include:  

• Structural condition 
• Fire safety   
• Ventilation  
• Gas, oil and electrical installations  
• Heating facilities  

In relation to rental accommodation, typical inspections on behalf of County Councils and private landlords include conditions surveys in three specific areas: 

1. Window restrictors: Where a window has an opening section through which a person may fall, safety restrictors must be fitted to restrain the window sufficiently to prevent such falls. These are required where the bottom of the opening section of the window is more than 1400 mm above the external ground level.  
2. Ventilation: Ventilation is required in all habitable rooms of a property. Where combustion of fuels is present, there must be suitable and adequate facilities for the safe and effective removal of fumes to the external air. This will ensure adequate air supply for combustion, improve efficiency, and also help prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide in the internal air. 
3. Boilers:  Both gas and oil boilers should be serviced annually. This will greatly improve the efficiency of the boiler, minimise the boiler malfunctioning and reduce the risk of Carbon monoxide build up.  

If you are a landlord or property owner and require conditions surveys on your property, please contact Wayne Walsh from the ORS Fire Safety Team at s.fay@ors.ie or +353 15242060.