The Minister for Housing has said new legislation replacing the national rent freeze and eviction ban is “balanced” between renters and landlords.

The new laws will remove the rental protections for anyone whose income has not been directly affected by the outbreak.

They will remain in anyone who has lost their job, had their wages cut or receiving COVID-19 supports.

Sinn Féin housing spokespersons Eoin Ó Broin has labelled the legislation an “attack on renters” warning that it will “strip vital protections from the vast majority of tenants.”

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said the legislation will “extend protections for those who are affected most by the virus up to January next year.”

“I had to bring in measures that are balanced,” he said. “That also recognise the rights of property owners too.

“People who have been in contact with me and are looking to move back into their own homes; moving back from abroad.

“Everyone knew that the measures that were brought in on March 27th were not going to be permanent and the prudent thing and the responsible thing for me and the Government to do was to actually bring in measures that are on a stable footing and will endure.”

He accused opposition parties of opposing the bill “purely political grounds.”

“The measures are actually very far-reaching, very significant; they have been brought through a consultation with the sector – particularly the homeless charities and the NGOs and I am surprised at some who actually opposed yesterday,” he said.

“They effectively opposed an extension of protections for renters who need it most and voted against it.”

He said the legislation is “actually bringing in real protections for people and extending those further than a lot of people asked for.”

“Those people whose wages have been affected – either reduced or they have lost their jobs – and are at risk of falling into rent arrears will simply have to self-declare,” he said.

“That will be done through the Residential Tenancies Board and they will get full protection against rent increases and eviction orders for the next five-and-a-half months – that is very significant.”

Sinn Fein TD Eoin O Broin speaking to the media on the plinth at Leinster House. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Deputy Ó Broin has warned that the legislation will put rent increases and evictions back on the table for the majority of renters.

He said the protections that are remaining for renters whose income has been hit by Covid-19 are “weak, overly complex and very easy for rogue landlords to get around.”

“The Covid-19 emergency legislation offered respite to all renters from increasing rents and evictions,” he said.

“These measures had a significant impact as the number of families presenting as homeless dropped by 56% in April, the lowest number of families in emergency accommodation in three years.

“This confirmed the argument that many were making – that banning vacant possession notices to quit is key to reducing homelessness.”

You can listen to the full interview with Minister O’Brien here: