Over 300 renters in Kerry have been supported by Threshold since it opened an outreach service in the county last year.
The national housing charity launched a bi-monthly service in Tralee in August last year, providing advice and support to those facing difficulties in the private rented sector.
Before COVID-19 restrictions, it operated from Kerry County Council’s Homeless Information Centre on Denny Street; renters can now make contact though their phoneline or website.
Threshold says since opening its dedicated outreach service in Tralee, it has supported 319 households in the private rented sector in Kerry.
The most common issue raised was notices of termination, and two-thirds (64%) of these notices were ultimately deemed to be invalid.
Renters also reported problems with rent increases, standards and repairs, and five cases involved landlords refusing to accept Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
In one case Threshold highlighted – that of a man named John - he and his family live in a rented home in Kerry, which is not in a Rent Pressure Zone, meaning a rent review can only take place every two years.
A few months after moving in, the property went into receivership; the receiver appointed an agent and John began to pay rent to the agent.
Just over a year after moving in, a notice of a rent increase was served by the agent, who subsequently sent a warning letter, claiming the tenant owed over €700 in rent.
Threshold got involved and informed the agent the rent review was invalid and the tenant wasn’t in arrears; the agent subsequently changed his position and the tenancy is now protected.
Threshold is urging other renters in Kerry to contact them for advice and support on their helpline 1800 454 454 or website <https://www.threshold.ie/advice/help.html.
