Examples of substantial change.

Thestart

Hi has anyone experience of ‘substantial change’ to a rental property.

I’m thinking of turning a 2 bed into a 3 bed in an apartment and just wanted to hear of anyone’s experience of what it takes and how the process is with the RTB.

mrslancaster

the guide is on this website:

https://www.ipav.ie/news_publications/rtb-publishes-guidelines-good-practice-substantial-change-exemption-rent-pressure

Thestart

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118126186#Comment_118126186

Thanks mrslancaster,

I was hoping for real experiences from people who went through the process with the RTB. It looks like not many have done this from the feedback on here!

mrslancaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118126374#Comment_118126374

If the altered bedrooms are to building regulations size, and the new layout is certified, then that must meet the SC rules. There's not a lot of options in an apartment, maybe an extra bathroom /en-suite if there's only one currently or internal insulation if it has a low ber. Maybe a building engineer or ber assessor would have some suggestions.

Thestart

good advice thanks.

The apartment is 1000+ sq ft and is top floor with an attic. I was thinking of adding a 3rd bedroom and adding storage to attic. The boiler and heating system could also be updated. I’ll talk to ber later assessor!!!

mrslancaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118127108#Comment_118127108

Sounds like you have plenty of room to add a bedroom - lots of older houses less than 90sm are three beds. Altering the layout to a 3 bed + extra bathroom and certifying it might be quicker and less expensive that getting PP to convert the attic to a habitable room, or spending thousands to upgrade the boiler/heating system. Imo the system is wrong when it doesn't allow LL's to charge market rates unless they spend thousands on unneccessary works.

Emma2019

I haven't looked at in years so I could be wrong but substantial change to a property could mean you have to charge VAT when you sell it if it isn't your principal private residence. Just something to bear in mind (and double check!)