Stronger measures needed for renters
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called for the Government to put in place stronger measures to protect renters during COVID-19.
Deputy Kelly said:
“While I welcome the fact that the Government has finally come around to the fact that a rent freeze and a ban on evictions are completely necessary.
“However, we now need to ensure that the State intervenes to ensure that renters are not left with a massive debt burden if they cannot pay their rent over the next three months because of loss of income related to COVID-19.
“Renters are not in a similar position to people paying mortgages who can push off their debts for a short period of time. This is not an option. If renters cannot pay, there debt will become real in three months so the State must find a way to step in. Otherwise in three months there will potentially be mass evictions.
“This is a very stressful and anxiety-inducing time for many at this time, especially if you find yourself in the precarious position of being temporarily laid off but still have a massive rent bill to pay. The State needs to bridge this gap in a meaningful way.
“We need to see emergency measures in place to ensure those who are renting feel secure as possible in their homes over the coming weeks and months.”