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coronavirus and the property effect

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  • Registered Users Posts: 6,003 ✭✭✭handlemaster


    From the indo today.. property prices will be dropping


    Meanwhile, a thousand people a day are now contacting Bank of Ireland alone seeking debt repayment breaks, the bank's head of retail Gavin Kelly, told the Irish Independent.

    Around 60pc of those struggling customers are homeowners unable to meet mortgage payments because they have lost jobs or suffered pay cuts, while the rest are small businesses seeking a lifeline from their bank to ride out the crisis.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    I think this was added yesterday/last night sometime:
    Guidance Document on COVID-19 Supports for Landlords and Tenants (pdf 361.53 KB)
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/guidance_document_support_for_landlords_and_tenants.pdf

    What it does feel like it addresses: Money Matters, Tenancy Rights and Law around Tenancies

    It does not feel like it addresses (but I've seen discussed on this board):
    • If landlords are one of the essential services (my gut reaction is no, unless they are doing essential maintenance/repairs but discussed on this thread)
    • What the deal is with viewings (my gut reaction is these are not to be done but discussed on this thread)
    • What the deal is with moving where you live from one place to another (my gut reaction is not to be done but discussed on this thread)

    Some selected quotes.

    These are mostly in order of how they appear in the document but this first one is from towards the end as landlords might want to be aware of it:
    4.1 Unlawful Termination of Tenancies
    An unlawful termination of tenancy, also known as an illegal eviction, may occur where a landlord, through force, intimidation or otherwise (such as cutting off utilities, changing the locks etc.) denies a tenant from accessing a rented dwelling or removes the tenant’s belongings from the dwelling. The unlawful termination of a tenancy is a significant concern and one which the RTB takes very seriously. The RTB prioritises applications citing unlawful termination of tenancy.

    Please be aware that carrying out an illegal eviction can result in damages of up to €20,000 being awarded to the tenant. The RTB can seek an injunction from the high court to reinstate the tenant and will continue to prioritise these cases during the emergency period.


    The rest are in order of appearance:
    The following will apply during the emergency period:
    • Tenants are obliged to continue to pay rent during the COVID-19 emergency period.
    • Landlord obligations in relation to the property and the tenant also remain unchanged during the emergency period.
    • Landlords are encouraged to engage proactively with their tenants during the emergency period.
    • Tenants are encouraged to engage with their landlords and the Department of Employment and Social Protection at their earliest opportunity if they cannot afford to pay their rent.
    • Income supports and Rent Supplement are available for those struggling with payments (further information on these supports is listed on page 5).
    • Where a tenant has been notified in writing by the landlord that an amount of rent due has not been paid, for tenancies of less than 6 months duration, the tenant will have 28 days (increased from 14 days) to pay the arrears before the landlord can take any further action. This is to allow time for the tenant to arrange for income support to be put in place. Thereafter, if the tenant and landlord are unable to agree an approach to arrears, the landlord cannot issue a notice of termination during the emergency period.
    1.2 Emergency Legislation
    Under the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020, the Government introduced additional supports and protections for renters, beyond the income supports already agreed with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

    The Act provides for the following amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 – 2019 and will operate for a period of 3 months from the 27 March 2020. Provision has been made for the Government to extend this period, if necessary.
    They go into detail in trying to overview what is in the act with points about so I'm pulling selections of the text, there is more detail you can check if a point is standing out to you:
    • A notice of termination cannot be served during the COVID-19 emergency period.
    • Where a notice of termination was served before the emergency period, it cannot take effect until the emergency period has ended
    • The effect of this Act is to stop the clock on any notice of termination already served.
    • Rent increases are prohibited during the period but rent decreases can be implemented.
    • The requirement for the RTB to conduct hearings in public is removed for the duration of the emergency period.
    • Tenants who have been legally evicted may remain in their accommodation, while continuing to pay rent and continuing to observe the normal terms and conditions of their lease.
    • all proposed evictions are prohibited.
    If a notice of termination was served before the emergency legislation was introduced, any day that falls within the emergency period does not count towards the notice period. This means that the notice period is paused in time for the duration of the emergency.

    The amount of notice required to end a tenancy depends on how long the tenant has lived in the property:
    • For tenancies of less than 6 months, the notice period is 28 days
    • For tenancies of more than 6 months, but less than 1 year the notice period is 90 days
    • For tenancies of more than 1 year, but less than 3 years the notice period is 120 days
    • For tenancies of more than 3 years, but less than 7 years the notice period is 180 days
    • For tenancies of more than 7 years, but less than 8 years the notice period is 196 days
    • For tenancies of 8 years or more the notice period is 224 days

    For example, where a tenancy has been in place for between 7 and 8 years, the tenant has 196 days to vacate the property. If a notice of termination was issued on 1 January 2020, the tenancy would normally end on 15 July 2020. With the introduction of emergency legislation, the notice period is paused from 27 March 2020 for the duration of the emergency period (currently 3 months), and the tenancy would end on 15 October 2020. If the emergency period is further extended, then the notice period will also extend by the same amount of time.
    3.2 Restrictions on how a tenancy can be ended.
    Tenancies can be ended under the following six grounds:
    They list the grounds but then say:
    These grounds have effectively been suspended by the emergency legislation enacted on 27th March 2020, which prohibits landlords from serving a notice of termination on tenants during the emergency period, with a very limited number of exceptions requiring an RTB Determination Order.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    This looks to have been interpreted and brought over to the Residential Tenancies Board website now or maybe I missed it before now, I'm not sure:
    https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/covid-19-emergency-legislation-for-rental-sector

    Again key point for landlords:
    Carrying out an illegal eviction, which includes prohibiting access to the property or making the property uninhabitable by disconnecting services, can result in damages of up to €20,000 being awarded to the tenant. The RTB can seek an injunction from the Courts to reinstate the tenant and will continue to prioritise these cases during the emergency period.

    I don't remember seeomg that part about it prioritising "these cases during the emergency period" before.

    The rest of these selections in order of appearance:
    • The emergency legislation applies to all tenancies which fall under the Residential Tenancies Act, this includes Approved Housing Bodies, Student Specific and Private Rented Accommodation, along with Rent-a-Room and Digs-style accommodation.
    • The emergency legislation takes effect from 27 March 2020 for a period of three months, and can be extended by Government Order, if necessary.

    No one can be made to leave their accommodation (other than in limited and exceptional circumstances where a breach of tenant obligations takes place with a supporting RTB Determination Order).
    • All notices of rent review, which were served before the emergency period and were due to start during this period, are paused and the tenant is not required to pay the increased amount of rent during the emergency period.
    • A rent decrease is allowed, whether the rent review notice was served before or during the COVID-19 emergency period.
    • Tenants are still required to pay rent to their landlord during this emergency period.
    Rent a Room & 'Digs' Accommodation included in legislation
    • The emergency legislation states that all proposed evictions are prohibited, including Rent-a-Room and Digs-style accommodation. Property owners and anyone renting in such circumstances are asked to show forbearance and support for each other during the emergency period and, where possible, have regard to the precautions necessary to tackle COVID-19, to avoid ending accommodation arrangements.

    I've seen that forbearance can be interpreted in two ways when I google it. One in law, one in how people get along with each other. It looks like the interpretation the RTB is taking is the one in how people get along with each other.
    https://www.google.com/search?q=forbearance
    • patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.
      "his unfailing courtesy and forbearance under great provocation"
    • Law
      the action of refraining from exercising a legal right, especially enforcing the payment of a debt.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    A fire hazard warning today.

    Basically.. try avoid things with higher chances of starting a fire like traditional candles.
    Alternatives listed including 'battery operated candles, LED lights, torches, mobile phone lights and similar'


    Stay Safe when Staying Home — A Fire Safety at Home Reminder
    Published on Friday, 10 Apr 2020
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/fire-and-emergency-management/fire-safety/stay-safe-when-staying-home-fire-safety
    Households have been asked to “Shine Your Light” this weekend Saturday 11th April 2020 as a show of solidarity with front-line workers, the sick, and anyone affected by COVID-19. The NDFEM is supportive of this initiative and the sentiment behind it but stresses the importance that is not marred by the often devastating effects of household fires.
    House fires account for the vast majority of these fatal fires. Both the very young and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Remember too that most people, who die in fires, do so as a result of smoke inhalation- something that can take as little as 3 minutes.

    I think this is the video shown during a fire safety course I was on a while back.
    The smoke catches fire during 'Flashover' around 3 minutes in:


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 17,642 Mod ✭✭✭✭Graham


    Slydice wrote: »
    This looks to have been interpreted and brought over to the Residential Tenancies Board

    Yet the Department of Housing appear to be less confident:
    When asked to clarify whether the amendment to legislation would include licensees who are living with house owners, a spokesperson for the Department of Housing said it was up to the courts to interpret the legislation.

    https://www.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/property-mortgages/coronavirus-crisis-rent-a-room-tenants-are-being-made-homeless-in-a-pandemic-39090017.html


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  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Well my understanding is that the one arm of the Government whose job it is to write laws
    is not supposed try to tell the courts how to do their job when cases are brought before them.

    So it makes sense to me that they would not say how the courts will make their decisions.

    Main institutions of the Irish State
    https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government_in_ireland/irish_constitution_1/main_institutions_of_the_state.html
    The legislature has law-making power. Only the Oireachtas (the national parliament), with the President as its head, can make laws in Ireland.
    and
    The judicial has the power to interpret the law. The Irish courts system has this power, which includes the power to decide if a piece of legislation or law is unconstitutional.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Two today which read something like:
    • local authority home loan borrowers won't have interest charged during the emergency period
    • I'm not at all clear on the second, maybe that from 29 March to 20 April (maybe more), planning and building measures like safety measures with deadlines were on pause
      Also maybe that new Healthcare/Hospital related buildings (maybe others) can just be built without much anything in the way of a delay to them

    Statement by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy, T.D., in relation to mortgage payment forbearance for local authority borrowers
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/local-authority-loans/statement-minister-housing-planning-and-local
    Measures to support local authority home loan borrowers have now been agreed
    and
    no additional costs to the original home loan balance will arise for the borrower who avails of these measures, as borrowers are not charged interest for the period of the break


    Note on COVID-19 Crisis - Building Control Measures
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/note_on_covid-19_crisis_building_control_measures.pdf
    the period from Sunday 29th March 2020to Monday 20th April 2020 inclusive, a total period of three weeks and two days (23 days), may be disregarded when calculating any appropriate period, specified period, or other timelines in certain sections of the Building Control Act 1990 (and certain planning Acts)
    and
    the legislation provides that the Government may extend the disregarded period(before it expires), once the statutory requirements for extension are met and mayfurther extenditas many times as is considered necessary, until 9th November 2020
    and
    provisions are temporarily dis-applied in theBuilding Control Regulations 2020
    and
    This Order in no way affects the requirements to comply withtheother Parts of the regulations ensuringthe protection of the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings for example standards around fire safety and structures will not be compromised.

    Feels like there's a lot in that. I'm not sure.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,969 ✭✭✭Assetbacked


    It's been announced today that Google are significantly slowing the recruitment of new staff and some revenue streams from advertising have dried up, namely in travel and local services. FT reported this based on a memo circulated to Google staff. A slowdown in new hires is obviously better than job cuts and would assist with reducing the increased demand for rentals in Dublin the next twelve or so months which would bring down rents. Although, I struggle to see how job losses for some big companies won't happen. Advertising budgets will be chopped in the short term until things become more certain towards Q3/Q4 - that's a long time to be paying a team of sales people without revenue coming in.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,000 ✭✭✭Hubertj


    It's been announced today that Google are significantly slowing the recruitment of new staff and some revenue streams from advertising have dried up, namely in travel and local services. FT reported this based on a memo circulated to Google staff. A slowdown in new hires is obviously better than job cuts and would assist with reducing the increased demand for rentals in Dublin the next twelve or so months which would bring down rents. Although, I struggle to see how job losses for some big companies won't happen. Advertising budgets will be chopped in the short term until things become more certain towards Q3/Q4 - that's a long time to be paying a team of sales people without revenue coming in.

    Considering the number of non-nationals working at google i would have thought recruitment would stall anyway and further slowing Or stopping with advertising tanking.
    I think google and other larger MNCs will take stock for the remainder of 2020 and see how things improve in 2021. Risk of job cuts short term is you end up having to recruit again as economy gets going again..... suppose it depends on what the bounce looks like - wont be the famous V, will it be a U or like a Nike swoosh? Depends on how long the __ at the bottom lasts?
    Given the amount of office space google is building they obviously have medium and long term plans in Ireland....
    I work in a large US MNC. They announced a hiring freeze here in Ireland a couple of weeks ago. However they also announced about 55 jobs were being repatriated from India to Ireland....


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Q&A on the Local Authority Home Loan Mortgage Payment Break has gone up:

    Local Authority Home Loan Mortgage Payment Break
    Frequently Asked Questions
    April 2020

    https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/mortgage_payment_break_faq_for_dhplg_website.pdf

    Big long Q&A with some examples. Some quotes:
    • No interest is charged during the Mortgage Payment Breakperiod.
    • The term of your home loan remains unchanged
    • Your home loan repayments recommence after the Mortgage Payment Break period
    You are eligible for a Mortgage Payment Breakon your local authority home loanif you havehad a reduction in your income arising from COVID-19or are anticipating one and you are unable to make repayments on your home loan.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    One today that looks to be extending the earlier pause on planning and building measures:

    Public participation period in the planning system extended for a further 19 days
    Published on Friday, 17 Apr 2020
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/covid-19-coronavirus/public-participation-period-planning-system-extended-further-19-days
    The previous Government Order, which was made on 29 March 2020, had specified that the extension period was to end on 20 April 2020. This decision means that the initial 23-day extension to public participation periods in the planning system has been further extended, so that the total extension period is now 42 days or 6 weeks.
    and
    It is recognised that the six-week period being added to public participation places some limitations on the operation of the planning system at this time. However, these temporary accommodations to planning processes are necessary to ensure that the core principle of public participation within our system is protected, at a time when staying home continues to be such a critical aspect of the response to the Covid-19 emergency.


    The earlier one:
    Slydice wrote: »
    • I'm not at all clear on the second, maybe that from 29 March to 20 April (maybe more), planning and building measures like safety measures with deadlines were on pause
    Note on COVID-19 Crisis - Building Control Measures
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/note_on_covid-19_crisis_building_control_measures.pdf


  • Registered Users Posts: 514 ✭✭✭laserlad2010


    I'm just wondering myself how things will pan out.

    The facts as I see it:
    - Halt to new construction for remainder of year
    - Recession coming (length/severity tbc)

    Looking at supply it seems to be halted for the remainder of the year, then you'd have to ask yourself whether it would pick up (if there's a recession) at all next year. Which puts our market under pressure in terms of undersupply.

    From a buyers perspective - we haven't yet seen layoffs to much effect in the tech, legal, big 4 sectors? So therefore they should still be buying... Definitely the lower end of the market will be affected as tourism, retail all affected badly.
    You'd have to wonder whether demand will outstrip supply for a certain portion either of 2020 or 2021 - causing a recovery of house prices.

    Really difficult to say, but I'd expect supply to lag behind recovery just like last time...


  • Registered Users Posts: 540 ✭✭✭OttoPilot


    I'm just wondering myself how things will pan out.

    The facts as I see it:
    - Halt to new construction for remainder of year
    - Recession coming (length/severity tbc)

    Looking at supply it seems to be halted for the remainder of the year, then you'd have to ask yourself whether it would pick up (if there's a recession) at all next year. Which puts our market under pressure in terms of undersupply.

    From a buyers perspective - we haven't yet seen layoffs to much effect in the tech, legal, big 4 sectors? So therefore they should still be buying... Definitely the lower end of the market will be affected as tourism, retail all affected badly.
    You'd have to wonder whether demand will outstrip supply for a certain portion either of 2020 or 2021 - causing a recovery of house prices.

    Really difficult to say, but I'd expect supply to lag behind recovery just like last time...

    No layoffs in but as someone in professional services, when you see how many people have zero work, you wonder how long it will be until there are pay cuts, layoffs etc or fixed term contracts wont be extended.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭TheSheriff


    Have a friend working in one of the big 4 in legal - he's been told hes getting a paycut, no idea what he earns, but hes been there 7 years + so I would imagine it's substantial.

    Him and his otherhalf have been looking like us for the best part of 6 months, on hold now until the dust settles.


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,597 ✭✭✭PommieBast


    From a buyers perspective - we haven't yet seen layoffs to much effect in the tech, legal, big 4 sectors? So therefore they should still be buying...
    Maybe not layoffs but what does not show up on any stats I have come across is how many people are getting furloughed. I suspect it is widespread outside of the FAANGs, so people who might have otherwise put a decent amount of dough away are now in deficit.


  • Posts: 17,728 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    TheSheriff wrote: »
    Have a friend working in one of the big 4 in legal - he's been told hes getting a paycut, no idea what he earns, but hes been there 7 years + so I would imagine it's substantial.

    Him and his otherhalf have been looking like us for the best part of 6 months, on hold now until the dust settles.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/deloitte-only-big-four-firm-to-commit-to-retaining-staff-during-crisis-1.4230735%3fmode=amp


    Big4 etc won't be immune from this..... Lots of small & big businesses under pressure..... It's going to have widespread economic effects across most sectors.

    A few weeks ago folk were commenting it wasn't house buying people were effected, not the case.

    All the tech companies of the Google, facebook and LinkedIn types will see / are seeing revenue drop.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    They've been putting up more clarifications on about that extension period on https://www.housing.gov.ie
    I'm not sure I understand all the in-and-out of it.

    After that, they put this up today. Looks like just a message to Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan applications asking applicants to avoid getting a physical application form:

    Notice - Covid-19 : HPL1 Temporary Process
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/covid-19-coronavirus/notice-covid-19-hpl1-temporary-process
    Instead, the applicant can request that the local authority undertake an electronic process to obtain the information from the Revenue Commissioners. Persons who wish to avail of this option should contact their local authority and request that the relevant HPL1 information be obtained on their behalf by the local authority


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,969 ✭✭✭Assetbacked


    https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/coronavirus-jaw-dropping-confidential-government-memo-warns-of-divisive-phase-1.4235481?mode=amp

    IT reporting today on a "confidential" government memo which discusses some key government considerations as part of the next phase of managing the covid19 situation.

    In particular, on property, measures such as rent freezes and bans on evictions, initially expected to last until mid-June may need to be extended further.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,003 ✭✭✭handlemaster


    https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/coronavirus-jaw-dropping-confidential-government-memo-warns-of-divisive-phase-1.4235481?mode=amp

    IT reporting today on a "confidential" government memo which discusses some key government considerations as part of the next phase of managing the covid19 situation.

    In particular, on property, measures such as rent freezes and bans on evictions, initially expected to last until mid-June may need to be extended further.

    Who picks up the bill for the non paying tenants ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,969 ✭✭✭Assetbacked


    Who picks up the bill for the non paying tenants ?

    Eoghan Murphy has kindly decided to give his TD and ministerial pension to helping tenants pay their rent.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    There looks to be a lot more resources on the RTB webpage about the Rental Sector:
    COVID-19 Emergency Legislation for the Rental Sector
    https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/covid-19-emergency-legislation-for-rental-sector

    There is loads of information now!

    Again, they look to be stressing the risk of damages of up to €20,000 and going to court to reinstate the tenant:
    Please be aware that carrying out an illegal eviction, which includes prohibiting access to the property or making the property uninhabitable by disconnecting services, can result in damages of up to €20,000 being awarded to the tenant. The RTB can seek an injunction from the Courts to reinstate the tenant and will continue to prioritise these cases during the emergency period.


    I did notice this bit which gives me a bit better understanding of the rental sector and it's relationship the emergency. It's the first I can remember seeing where the question of what is not deemed essential has been written:
    In a house share, if one tenant moves out, can the landlord move a new tenant in?
    Such letting activity should not occur during the COVID-19 emergency period as it has not been deemed essential by Government. The temporary restriction on the movement of people aims to halt the spread of the disease.


    I'm not sure if I noticed the linked: FAQs on Emergency Legislation for Rental Sector
    Hrmm.. It's dated '2nd April 2020'
    https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/FAQs_on_Emergency_Legislation_Final.pdf
    Again about the Rent-a-Room and Digs:
    3.RENT A ROOM / ‘DIGS’ ACCOMMODATION
    • The emergency legislation states (Section 5(7)) that all proposed evictions are prohibited. It is understood that the intent of this provision is to address living arrangements which are often described as Rent-a-Room and “Digs” style accommodation. Property owners and persons renting in such circumstances are asked to show forbearance and support for each other during the emergency period and, where possible, and having regard to the precautions necessary to tackle COVID-19, to avoid termination of accommodation arrangements.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,163 ✭✭✭Claw Hammer


    Slydice wrote: »
    There looks to be a lot more resources on the RTB webpage about the Rental Sector:
    COVID-19 Emergency Legislation for the Rental Sector
    https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/covid-19-emergency-legislation-for-rental-sector

    There is loads of information now!

    Again, they look to be stressing the risk of damages of up to €20,000 and going to court to reinstate the tenant:



    I did notice this bit which gives me a bit better understanding of the rental sector and it's relationship the emergency. It's the first I can remember seeing where the question of what is not deemed essential has been written:



    I'm not sure if I noticed the linked: FAQs on Emergency Legislation for Rental Sector
    Hrmm.. It's dated '2nd April 2020'
    https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/Comms%20and%20Research/FAQs_on_Emergency_Legislation_Final.pdf
    Again about the Rent-a-Room and Digs:

    The RTB is trying to have it both ways. The legislation doesn't cover rent a room or digs where the owner lives in the house but they are trying to frighten owners into thinking it does. the give away is asking to show forbearance.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Hrmmm.. I think I missed this..

    First court case I can remember seeing where the legislation is mentioned.

    Business secures injunction against alleged eviction
    https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2020/0423/1134447-furniture-business-high-court/
    Barrister Hugh O'Flaherty said the rent and all other obligations under the lease were all up to date to the end of March but, as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and the restrictions introduced by the government, his client had to cease trading towards the end of March and had advised the defendants it could not pay rent for April.
    and
    Mr O'Flaherty said they would argue the prevention of access amounted to unlawful eviction and the defendants are in breach of the lease and the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020, which include a provision against evictions for the emergency period.

    Don't think it occurred to me to google both these terms together until now: "Emergency Measures in the Public Interest" "eviction"

    An A&L Goodbody webpage is the top result:
    COVID-19: Summary of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020
    Residential Tenancy termination
    Notices of termination served prior to the emergency period, as well as potential new notices, are both covered by the changes, with the result that, broadly speaking, no residential tenancies are to be terminated during the emergency period. These provisions will apply to Local Authority and Approved Housing Body lettings as well as the private sector, and the Act also prohibits the eviction of travellers during the currency of the emergency measures.

    I don't remember seeing mention of a probibition on the eviction of travellers before.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Slydice wrote: »
    An A&L Goodbody webpage is the top result:
    COVID-19: Summary of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020

    Forgot the link:
    https://www.algoodbody.com/insights-publications/summary-of-the-emergency-measures-in-the-public-interest-covid-19-act-2020


    and spelled prohibition wrong!
    Slydice wrote: »
    I don't remember seeing mention of a probibition on the eviction of travellers before.


  • Registered Users Posts: 10,501 ✭✭✭✭Slydice


    Wow.. like.. 88 pages of Q&A between TDs and the Minister have been put up.
    So many different issues.. if you got a question.. it might well be in one of these..

    50 pages:
    COVID-19 Queries from TDs - 27th April 2020
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/covid-19-related_responses_17_and_20_april.pdf

    33 pages:
    COVID-19 Queries from TDs - 17th and 20th April 2020
    https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/covid-19_responses_27_april_0.pdf


    Two things jumped out at me.
    Looks like I was wrong about the €20,000 fine as a €30,000 fine is mentioned here:
    Additional powers and functions were conferred on the RTB through the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 to investigate and administratively sanction landlords (up to €30,000) who engage in improper conduct, including non-compliance with the enhanced tenancy termination provisions.


    The two documents again mention Rent-a-Room and “Digs” style accommodation.

    55 pager:
    The emergency legislation states (Section 5(7)) that all evictions are prohibited.It is understood that the intent of this provision is to address arrangements which are often described as Rent-a-Room and “Digs” style accommodation. Landlords and tenants in such circumstances are asked to show forbearance and support for each other during the emergency period and, where possible, and having regard to the precautions necessary to tackle COVID-19, to avoid termination of accommodation arrangements
    33 pager:
    Subsection (7) of section 5 of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 providesthat notwithstanding any of the provisions of that section, all proposed evictions in all tenancies in the State, including those not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended, are prohibited during the operation of the 2020 Act.It is understood that the intent of this provision is to address arrangements which are often described as Rent-a-Room, “Digs” style accommodation and licensees living outside of student-specific accommodation.


  • Registered Users Posts: 637 ✭✭✭rtron


    Does anyone have thoughts on what might happen Mortgage Interest rates as a result of the pandemic?


  • Registered Users Posts: 28,119 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    rtron wrote: »
    Does anyone have thoughts on what might happen Mortgage Interest rates as a result of the pandemic?

    I'd expect them to drop a lot here, it would be one way to stimulate the economy and put more money in people's pockets. I hope sub 2% but even below 1% is possible, were one of the more expensive countrys in Europe.


  • Registered Users Posts: 944 ✭✭✭Ozark707


    I'd expect them to drop a lot here, it would be one way to stimulate the economy and put more money in people's pockets. I hope sub 2% but even below 1% is possible, were one of the more expensive countrys in Europe.

    They might drop a lot if banks were able to reclaim the asset once someone is not willing or unable to repay. The premium with our European peers is due to the fact that is is very difficult to do this.


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,163 ✭✭✭Claw Hammer


    Ozark707 wrote: »
    They might drop a lot if banks were able to reclaim the asset once someone is not willing or unable to repay. The premium with our European peers is due to the fact that is is very difficult to do this.

    The banks charge as much as they can get away with. The reason the rates are high here is because of lack of competition. Part of the reason for that is that foreign banks don't like the legal system here.Another is the the Central Bank is trying to make the Irish banks viable.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,647 ✭✭✭ittakestwo


    I'd expect them to drop a lot here, it would be one way to stimulate the economy and put more money in people's pockets. I hope sub 2% but even below 1% is possible, were one of the more expensive countrys in Europe.

    Banks dont care about putting money in people's back pockets, they rather the money was in theirs.

    Over the next few months a lot of people and bussiness will be defaulting on loans which the bank will have to take the hit on and pass on to other customers through higher rates in the future.

    S&P rating agency has downgraded irish banks as they expect them to be hit from the C-19 effect on the economy. If they do take a big hit from defaults, that can only lead to higher rates in the future.


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