As the COVID-19 crisis grows the Minister for Housing introduces measures for the rental market
Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy announced a temporary ban on evictions and a pause on rent increases for an initial period of three months, while the COVID-19 crisis is ongoing.
Thousands of renters who have lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 are worried about keeping up with rent payments. Designed to help those who are struggling to pay their rent, Eoghan Murphy explained the intentions of the measures.
You can't be asked to pay more in rent than you are currently paying.
You can't be asked to leave the accommodation that you're in for the period of the emergency.
While tenant groups welcomed the measures, they said they do not go far enough. Peter Dooley of the Dublin Renters' Union says that people made unemployed as a result of the pandemic should not be required to pay their rent.
There have also been calls from the opposition benches for the government to do more to protect renters. Alan Kelly, Labour Party, said that state intervention is required to assist people with bills that they can not pay.
Some of the country's largest landlords and institutional property investors have also announced measures to help renters, including the deferral of rent payments. Pat Farrell, chief executive of Irish Institutional Property, says that a hold has been placed on any notices to quit for the duration of the crisis.
The legislation is expected to be brought before the Dáil next week.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 March 2020. The reporter is Aisling Kenny.
