People living in modular homes in gardens will not be entitled to the protections of a traditional RTB tenant, a minister in the Department of Housing has confirmed.
The Planning and Development Act was passed by the Oireachtas in 2024, but certain provisions of the legislation are due to come into force this month.
Among them is a relaxation of the rules pertaining to the building of modular homes in people’s gardens - or 'beds in sheds', as opposition parties have labelled it.
On The Claire Byrne Show, Minister for State for Local Government and Planning John Commins said he can “appreciate” the focus on modular homes - but added the legislation is far reaching beyond one aspect of planning.
“It is also about facilitating subdivision of an existing property, attic conversions, dormer windows, external wall, insulation, extending the extension to the back of your home from 40 to 45 square metres,” he explained.
“So, it's about more than just the modular proposal.”
The Waterford TD described the legislation as containing “practical and common sense measures” to make life easier for homeowners.
“I don't believe that if you're looking to put external wall insulation onto your house, that you should tie up planners within local authorities,” he said.
“If you're looking to convert your attic and install roof lights to the front or dormer windows to the back, that you should be tying up planning resources.”
Minister Commins continued that the ability to build modular homes in a home’s garden and rent it out would boost supply, as well as providing people with “flexible accommodation options”.
However, they will only enjoy the limited tenancy rights of people who rent a landlord's spare bedroom.
It means they can be evicted with “reasonable notice”.
“It'll be done under license in the same way as the Rent A Room [scheme],” Minister Commins said.
“It is interesting that I've never once heard a member of the opposition criticising the rent a room scheme.
“The last data that we have from 2024 is that there was about 18,000 availing of the rent a room scheme.
“Never heard criticism of it - it works very well.”
Main image: A modular home. Picture by: Alamy.com.
