A group representing landlords is calling on the government to introduce tax incentives for people to refurbish and let out vacant properties

The Irish Property Owners Association has said large numbers of former rental homes were taken off the market because landlords could not afford to bring them into line with new standards.

The Association’s launched an “Open the Door” campaign which they hope will encourage more property owners to refurbish buildings and let them out to tenants.

Spokesperson for the IPOA Margaret McCormick, has said tax reliefs are needed to get these vacant properties fit for rental: “They encourage people to invest.

“We need investment.

“Every tenant needs a landlord, every landlord needs a tenant and we need to make the market useful so that both sides can actually work together and provide accommodation and live in the accommodation.”