Rent Arrears Cases Almost Tripled During Pandemic

Three times as many people are reporting rent arrears during the pandemic.

Threshold, the housing charity, say some people are three months behind.

Some of those owe their landlords up to €2,800.

Rent Arrears Cases Have Tripled

The charity has also made calls for the ban on evictions to be extended.

That ban is due to expire next month.

Chief Executive John Mark McCafferty says people are really struggling.

"We had a 20% increase in new cases between March 1st and 21st of May compared to the same period in 2019,"

"The main increases have been in cases concerning rent supplement and rent arrears."

Threshold Calls For Eviction Ban Extension

Threshold are seeking a three month extension to the ban on evictions.

That expires on June 27th.

The charity is also calling for a discussion on how to restructure the debts.

"They've Suffered A Drop In Income"

John-Mark McCafferty says this has affected people worse than first expected.

"We're looking for that emergency legislation to be extended."

"They've been laid off, they've lost their jobs, they've suffered a drop in income."

"These are big concerns for young people, many renters, many who are in the hospitality industry, or indeed other sectors that have been badly affected by the Covid-19 measures."