§ 67. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will seek to amend the Rent Act, 1968, to provide protection against harassment to leaseholders seeking to exercise their options under the terms of the Leasehold Reform Act, 1967; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollThere is no need for an amendment to the 1968 Rent Act. Section 30 of the Rent Act, 1965, already makes it an offence unlawfully to evict or harass the residential occupier of any premises with intent to make him refrain from exercising any right in respect of the premises. This would appear to cover leaseholders seeking to exercise their rights under the Leasehold Reform Act. Any leaseholders who feel they are being harassed should therefore consult their local authorities, who have power to prosecute for this offence.