Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has this morning launched an online survey to see how renters across the State are coping during Covid-19. Latest figures show rent supplement figures increased by 33% during the pandemic.

He said:

“The survey we are launching this morning aims to get a snapshot of how renters are coping during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The survey will be complemented by an Instagram Live event with a Q&A with myself at 8pm this Sunday (7th June).

“We want to get a sense as to how this pandemic has impacted on people’s rental situations, their incomes, whether landlords have been supportive and if they are aware of the availability of rent supplement.

“We know from data published by the ESRI that young people and those renting are more likely to be in a more precarious situation with regards to their income due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“While we expect the Minister for Housing to announce an extension to the ban on rent increases and evictions, this survey is an attempt to see if there is a fear about rental debt accruing and what will happen once the ban on rent increases and evictions is eventually lifted.

“We have previously highlighted the government’s failure to publicise both the availability of rent supplement for renters and the changes made to the eligibility criteria as rent supplement claimant figures increase.

“Since March this year, the number of tenancies being supported by rent supplement increased by 33%

“The government must do all it can to prevent renters from falling into arrears.

“The Sinn Féin renters survey is hoping to capture some of the issues renters are facing in order to put forward sensible, workable solutions.”

ENDS//

Note to Editor: Link to Sinn Féin’s renters survey – https://s.surveyplanet.com/mNtCZRN5_