Overview

A tenant, Michaela Reape, was awarded damages by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) after alleging her landlord,Marcus O’Hara,was “peering” through her windows at night. The incident occurred at a property on Bachelors Walk in Ballina, Co. Mayo, in February 2024, leading Ms. Reape to vacate the premises.

The Incident: February 3, 2024

According to Ms. Reape’s testimony to the RTB, on the night of February 3, 2024, she observed a male figure outside her window “peering within” while she was watching television. She identified the figure as her landlord, Marcus O’hara. Ms. Reape also stated that Mr. O’Hara was carrying a suitcase and behaved in a manner she considered “inappropriate.”

Ms. Reape reported the incident to the Gardaí (Irish police), according to reporting by the Irish Times.A friend informed her two nights later that the landlord had allegedly made further unwanted approaches.

Prior Notice of Termination

The incident occurred after Mr.O’Hara had already served Ms. Reape with a notice of termination in October 2023. The notice stated his intention to reclaim the property for his own use. This prior notice adds a layer of complexity to the case, potentially suggesting a motive for the alleged behavior.

RTB Decision and Damages

The Residential Tenancies Board tribunal ruled in favor of Ms. Reape, awarding her damages. The specific amount of the damages awarded has not been publicly disclosed in the Irish Times report, but the ruling establishes a precedent for tenant protection against privacy violations.

The RTB is an self-reliant body established by the Irish government to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. It operates under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

Implications for Landlords and Tenants

This case underscores the