The bill which protects renters who have been hit by Covid 19 pandemic have been extended till July. Earlier the protection were planned to be provided till 12th of April. The Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien presented the idea of extension in the cabinet.
The legislation which prevents eviction and rent hikes for tenants who are financially difficult, were passed on August last year. On the basis of new legislation, they will not be affected by rent hikes or eviction until 12th of July. The tenants are not required to leave their homes before the newly declared date and they must be given a notice 90 days in advance.
TD Richard Boyd has asked the govt. not to lift the eviction ban which would act as a heartless abandonment of tenants in the midst of a pandemic. There are chances of unjust evictions if the govt. lifts the ban. Labour housing spokesperson Senator Rebecca Moynihan had asked the government to extent the ban on eviction till the end of this year. If the government tries to protect the landlords, that would be the most disgraceful decision and it will lead to a huge increase in homelessness.