Open dialogue between banks, landlords and tenants needed during the COVID-19 crisis

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien has said that help must be given to homeowners struggling with mortgages, renters unable to pay bills and landlords who must meet re-payments during the Covid-19 crisis.
It also means addressing cramped conditions for those in emergency accommodation. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as homeless people.

Deputy O’Brien said: “Covid-19 is an unprecedented crisis and demands a whole of society response. The steps to slow down the disease have effectively pressed the pause button on large parts of the economy.

“We need to respond compressively to this. In housing, this means helping homeowners struggling with mortgages, renters unable to pay bills and landlords who have to meet re-payments.

“We need to see joined up thinking and a co-ordinated response between banks, landlords and tenants will be needed to alleviate the pressure on households and ensure we do not generate additional homelessness. Frontline services need to be supported in helping homeless people and ensuring best practise is followed.

“Many people have concerns about how they are going to pay their mortgages or rent during this crisis and this is why a moratorium is needed so that people struggling get the necessary helps if they are struggling,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.