Emergency rent supplement, rent reductions and rent waivers must now be firmly on the Government’s agenda as Minister Eoghan Murphy introduces emergency legislation this week.
This is the view of Sinn Féin Galway West TD, Mairéad Farrell, who is calling on the Government to "do more" to meet the needs of renters who have lost their jobs, and who are consequently struggling with high rental costs.
“In the coming days and weeks, tenants in the private rented sector who have lost their jobs will have to pay their rent," said Dep Farrell. “While Minister Murphy’s pledge to halt evictions and freeze rents for three months is welcome, renters also need help with their rental payments."
As a result, Dep Farrell is calling for the introduction of an emergency COVID-19 rent supplement payment, similar to the emergency welfare payment. She is also calling for temporary rent reductions and rent waivers, for tenants whose landlords are availing of mortgage repayment forbearance.
“A rent moratorium is not the solution," she said. "It will lead to a build up of rent arrears and a huge rental debt crisis down the road."
