Tipperary councillors fear for tenants as eviction ban deadline looms

Councillors at this week’s sitting of Tipperary County Council say they fear for tenants when the eviction ban is lifted.

The ban, which is set to expire on March 30, has been in place since the end of October.

Nenagh councillor Joe Hannigan said they need to think outside the box to solve the crisis.

“We are all worried at the end of the month when the terminations to quit come into being.

“It’s going to cause more problems than we already have,” said Cllr Hannigan.

Councillor Annemarie Shiner Ryan said:

“We are meeting people who are worried sick.

“We know you are doing your best but lifting the ban, I think is the worst thing they could have done,” said Cllr Ryan.

Councillor David Dunne said he is trying to help people every day, but the situation is “hopeless”.

“I can’t give anyone any hope. We are going to have people sleeping in garda stations,” said Cllr Dunne.

Director of Services for Housing Sinead Carr said her department had been notified of 19 new notices to quit in January and February.

That is in addition to those cases not yet resolved in 2022.

SOLUTIONS
Councillors at Monday’s sitting put forward several solutions. Of particular interest was the tenant in situ scheme.

This allows the council to buy properties HAP tenants are residents where the landlord decides to sell.

The Department of Housing approved the buying of these houses last year. Councillor John Fitzgerald called it an “instant solution.”

He suggested the council make the most of landlords leaving the market, and buy as many properties as they can.

“There is an upside to a notice of termination in that it prompts the ultimate housing solution,” said Cllr Fitzgerald. Cllr Dunne suggested the building of retirement villages so that when older people are looking to downsize their house goes back into the market.

Ms Carr, who responded to the councillor’s concerns, said they are buying HAP properties, but it is not as simple as it sounds.

She said they have so far pursued 124 properties and successfully purchased 44.

They are currently investigating a further 29. She said her department must take a couple of things into account when deciding to buy a house.

The buying of these houses must not inflate the market.

She said some landlords take advantage of the situation, and if the price is too high, the council will not make an offer.

“If the landlord is looking for unreal money, we will not go into that space,” said Ms Carr.

Secondly, the house must be value for money and meet current and future needs.

Additionally, she said they cannot buy a property for a tenant if the tenant’s income is above the social housing limit.

However, her understanding is a solution for those people is currently being legislated for.

“One would hope that could be signed off on sooner rather than later,” said Ms Carr.

Ms Carr also told councillors the council is engaging with interested private parties around the building of the retirement villages.

Most councillors who contributed spoke in praise and support of the housing department’s staff.

They said they know their work is difficult and they are doing their best.

Ms Carr also acknowledged the work of the councillors in the area of housing.

“I want to acknowledge the work of members here because you have a huge interest in housing, and it’s because of you always pushing to get more that we maximise what we can,” said Ms Carr.