Threshold Raises Concerns Over Modular Home Planning Exemption and Tenant Rights
Threshold expressed concern over Government plans to exempt back-garden modular homes from planning permission and include them in the rent-a-room tax exemption. Ann-Marie O’Reilly warned that occupants would be licensees, lacking tenant rights and protections. She also questioned regulatory oversight for building standards.
Housing charity Threshold has voiced concerns regarding Government plans to exempt modular homes in back gardens from planning permission. The Cabinet approved this exemption on Tuesday, also including modular buildings and extensions in the rent-a-room tax exemption, allowing owners to charge up to €14,000 annually tax-free.
Threshold’s national advocacy manager, Ann-Marie O’Reilly, stated that occupants of these modular homes would be licensees, lacking the rights and protections afforded to renters under the Residential Tenancies Act. Licensees have no recourse to justice, are not protected from rent increases, and can be evicted with minimal notice. O’Reilly highlighted that while licensee status might be appropriate for sharing a room within an owner’s home, it is unsuitable for standalone units where occupants have more autonomy.
She also questioned how authorities would ensure these modular homes meet new building regulations, advocating for a requirement for property owners to inform local authorities when such units are installed.