By Dan Walsh
The notices of termination that were given to 36 households in Hazelwood Estate, Bridgetown, last Friday before the new rental laws were set to begin have been withdrawn.
It is estimated about 100 people, including children, are affected by the termination notices issued to 36 homes. Some had instructed that they must vacate their properties in May and others in August.
However, in a change of heart, a spokesperson for landlord company Patchflow Ltd stated that the company “recognises the concern and uncertainty that has arisen” in recent weeks for tenants living in Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown.
The company understood receiving notices of termination can be “deeply unsettling for tenants and their families” and acknowledged the “stress” this situation has caused within the community, the spokesperson said.
“In order to allow time for constructive engagement and to support a resolution process, Patchflow Ltd has decided to withdraw the notices of termination that were issued to tenants.
The company plans to meet tenants over the coming weeks on an individual basis to discuss their circumstances and explore what options may be available to them.
This arrangement will apply on the basis that “existing tenancy agreements remain in place and that all obligations under those agreements”, including the payment of rent, continue to be met, the spokesperson said.
“Patchflow Ltd hopes that this extended period will allow a constructive process to move forward and create the time and space needed for solutions to be explored for all involved.
“Given that this process is now under way, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time,” stated the spokesperson.
Commenting on WexfordLocal.com last night, local Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said; “There are many lessons to be learned here. There is simply no security for renters in Ireland and that is something that the Department of Housing must prioritise. I have requested an immediate reassessment of our social housing income thresholds, because they currently prevent vulnerable families and individuals from accessing vital supports that protect them from facing homelessness.”
“Let today be remembered, for the good and the bad reasons. I hope that no landlord dares to treat his or her tenants in this regard again on our soil; our history speaks for itself, let that be remembered.”
“For now, I am incredibly proud of the people for all their hard work and I hope that they take comfort this weekend. However, we could be seeing up to nine eviction notices being served every six months for the foreseeable future. I hope that the Minister for Housing protects these families from facing eviction again down the line.”
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