A Dublin deputy, Mr Noel Ahern (FF), said there was great concern among landlords about the £40 per unit annual registration charge for rented accommodation. In an adjournment debate, he said moves to protect tenant rights were welcome, but landlords were being hit on three fronts - a registration charge, reporting of lettings by the health boards and income tax relief for tenants. "We must not tilt the balance too far," he said.

The Minister of State for Housing, Ms Liz McManus, said she felt the £40 charge to cover local authorities' costs in operating a register was reasonable. Landlords could claim it against income tax, she added.