A loophole in the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme is causing untold stress and anxiety for users of the scheme and must be reviewed.
Aontú Senator Sarah O’ Reilly says she has been made aware of a number of inconsistencies surrounding the much-heralded scheme, and says that given we are living through the worst housing crisis in the history of the state it is incumbent on the Government to ensure safeguards for tenants are as strong as possible.
She says,
“There is no legislation enshrined in the Rent A Room scheme to protect renters from random evictions. This is a huge issue for those who are renting rooms. They badly need to live in these rooms and for many, a room in somebody else’s home is as good as it gets. I understand that Landlords are not actually obliged to give those lodging in their homes a Notice to Quit which can lead to random evictions at a moment’s notice”.
“This is a very serious situation and is compounded by the fact that local authorities cannot process any applications for emergency accommodation without a Notice To Quit”.
“The Scheme also does not come under the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board ) remit so their hands are tied too”.
“It is also very unfair in my opinion that renters cannot claim credit under rent tax credits. They really are in a very precarious and vulnerable situation and any additional money in their pockets would be hugely important for them”.
“I believe that the Rent a Room scheme is a really good one in theory; It provides a roof over the heads of those who can’t otherwise secure accommodation and it is also excellent for these homeowners who do rent the rooms as they have extra money as well as company and additional security is many instances”.
“They can avail of the €14,000 tax credit but those paying the rent can’t”.
“There are anomalies here, that with a bit of thought and planning could be ironed out and need to be ironed out. I am seeking a government review of the scheme without delay. Renters need protection”.
