Residents of 36 households in the Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown, Co Wexford, have received Notices of Termination from their landlord, just two days before new rental legislation took effect last Sunday. A video, recorded by a tenant’s doorbell camera and highlighted on South East Radio’s Morning Mix, shows a representative for the landlord delivering the notices and stating a “final decision” on the evictions would follow a review of “radio shows and political debate.”
Eviction Notices and New Legislation
The notices impact approximately 100 people, who have been informed the landlord intends to sell the properties. Ann-Marie Lamb, a resident of Hazelwood, stated the video provides confirmation of what residents have been saying, and that the sale of the properties is a “direct consequence to that legislation.”
Lamb described residents as being “running on fumes” since receiving the notices last Friday, struggling to eat and sleep while awaiting clarity. She emphasized the need for the landlord to communicate directly with residents and the county council to formulate a plan.
Labour TD for Wexford, George Lawlor, stated that the new legislation is “forcing people into homelessness” and that the notices to quit are being issued “on the basis of this new legislation coming in.”
New Rental Rules
The new legislation, which came into effect last Sunday, allows landlords to reset rents to market value for new tenancies. However, rents can only be reset every six years, or at the start of a new tenancy if the previous tenant left voluntarily. Landlords are prohibited from resetting rent if a previous tenancy ended via a ‘no-fault eviction’ within the last two years, even if the property has been sold.
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has launched an investigation into the situation. A spokesperson for Minister for Housing James Browne stated the minister cannot comment on the specifics of the case due to the active RTB investigation, but wants any potential breaches of tenants’ rights to be “robustly” investigated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the eviction notices?
According to a video captured by a resident’s doorbell camera, the landlord is issuing eviction notices due to the Government’s new rental rules.
How many households are affected?
A total of 36 households in the Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown, Co Wexford, have received Notices of Termination.
What is the Minister for Housing’s response?
A spokesperson for Minister for Housing James Browne stated the minister cannot comment on the specifics of this case due to an ongoing RTB investigation, but wants any potential breaches of tenants’ rights to be “robustly” investigated.
As the RTB investigation proceeds, residents await further information regarding their housing situation. It remains to be seen whether the landlord will proceed with the sale of the properties and what options will be available to the affected households.
