From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
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The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed the passing of the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Bill 2022 by both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill, once signed into law by the President, will defer ‘no fault’ tenancy terminations that are due to occur during the coming winter months from taking effect until after 31 March 2023.
Welcoming the progress of the legislation, Minister O’Brien said:
“The government is very aware of the increasing pressure on homeless services, the limited supply in the rental market and the struggles people are facing over the coming winter months. This Bill’s swift passage by both Houses of the Oireachtas demonstrates our collective commitment to protecting renters during this exceptional period by deferring any ‘no fault’ tenancy terminations from taking place this winter.
“The legislation ensures that where a tenant does not pay rent or engages in anti-social behaviour, they will not be protected by this legislation.
“While this emergency measure is necessary and will provide assistance in the short-term, the long-term answer to our accommodation challenges remains an increased and sustainable supply of new housing. New figures from the CSO today show that 27,773 new homes were completed in the 12 months to the end of September, a record figure for comparable periods since 2011, and shows clear progress. The government remains fully focused on increasing supply to improve the rental market.”
The legislation also covers licences/tenancies in student specific accommodation and student tenancies in the general rental market.
It will still be possible to serve a Notice of Termination during the winter period and the protection introduced today will not extend to a tenant who does not pay his or her rent or is in breach of other tenant obligations. Where the tenant is at fault, the tenancy can be terminated during the winter subject to the usual notice periods to be given.