All tenants who lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus crisis should be given access to the existing HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) scheme, according to a landlord group.
Irish Property Owners Association chairman Stephen Faughnan says the government needs to put the resources in place to deal with the situation, and that IPOA members are happy to work with tenants who need to move to the HAP system.
However, he said the 'red tape' that currently exists within the system needs to be cut to help both tenants and landlords impact by the COVID-19 situation.
It comes amid growing calls for supports for renters impacted by loss of income over the coming weeks and months.
A number of groups have called for emergency legislation, with Labour TD Duncan Smith TD saying there should be "a rent freeze and a temporary ban on evictions".
In a statement this afternoon, IPOA said: "Stephen Faughnan, Chairman of the Irish Property Owners Association has stated that all tenants who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of losing their jobs should be afforded access to the existing HAP scheme.
"He stated that the Government need to put the resources and structures in place to deal with the likely requirement for this support and that the IPOA's members are happy to work with tenants who need to move to the HAP system.
"This will necessitate cutting through the red tape that currently exists with the HAP system to ensure that tenants and landlords don’t suffer irreversible hardship from the C-19 crisis."
The statement comes as banks meet with the Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe this afternoon.
The banks are expected to agree to a three-month freeze on loan repayments for struggling businesses and mortgage holders.
