Minister O’Brien introduces eviction moratorium

Local Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the passage of a Bill to modify the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to prevent any notices of termination served by landlords from taking effect during the period of level five restrictions.
The Minister brought the emergency legislation through the Oireachtas this week on the back of the introduction of Level 5 restrictions country-wide.
Minister O’Brien said that the Bill, which would ensure that no evictions could take place, save in exceptional circumstances, would protect tenants in North County Dublin and give them peace of mind during these difficult times.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This new Bill will ensure that in future, where severe restrictions on peoples’ movement are imposed, these protections would automatically kick-in. A ‘grace-period’ will also be built into the Bill whereby a person cannot be evicted in the ten days following the lifting of restrictions.
“The Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 which came into effect on 1st August already protects tenants experiencing rent arrears due to Covid-19 from eviction and rent increases up to 10th January 2021. The protections under that Act apply nationwide, subject to the tenant making an appropriate declaration.
“However, this new Residential Tenancies Bill is now needed to protect all tenants from eviction while their movement is restricted. These protections will apply any time that severe restrictions are placed on peoples’ movement.
“All across Dublin Fingal there are renters working in sectors that are worst affected by Covid-19 such as in the hospitality and retail sectors. This new Bill better protects their tenancies at this difficult time by ensuring no evictions can take place,” concluded Minister O’Brien.