Landlords 'may have to demand water charge deposits from tenants'
Landlords are threatening to impose a water charge deposit on tenants, if the Government goes ahead with plans that would make the owner of a property liable for unpaid water bills.
Minister Alan Kelly has proposed a system whereby landlords will be allowed to retain outstanding charges from a tenant's deposit.
But the Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA ) said that deposits can only be legally withheld for damage or unpaid rent.
It stated that landlords cannot be used as debt collection agents for Irish Water.
IPOA spokesperson Margaret McCormick says tenants may in future have to pay a water deposit to their landlords.
"The Minister is stating that it can be taken from the deposit," she said.
"Well, the deposit we have is for damage above normal wear and tear - we do not hold a deposit for water charges, that's not something we've got.
"So if the minister is looking for it to be taken from the deposit, then a deposit will have to be given in respect of the water charges."
