Tenants in a number of buildings in Dublin are facing mass evictions. This is despite the government’s much-vaunted claim that it has imposed a ban. The ban only lasts until April 1st – so landlords simply put down a later date.
In Tathony House in Kilmainham, all 35 residents of an apartment block have received an eviction notice for June 1st.
The landlord has announced that he is selling the property and thinks he can get a higher price if he first evicts the tenants.
In most European cities he would be compelled to sell with the tenants in situ. But not in Ireland!
In 94-96 Lower Rathmines Road, tenants in over 20 apartments have also received eviction notices. A single bedroom costs over €1,200 to rent but a property company that just bought the apartments wants more money.
Hazelwood Walk Holdings Limited says it wants to sell the buildings.
The Tyrrelstown Amendment bans evictions for more than 10 tenancies but, like everything else in Irish law, there is a deliberate loophole in Section 35a Residential Tenancies Act.
This allows mass eviction to occur if a landlord can claim ‘undue hardship’. The ‘undue hardship’ clause can be invoked by a landlord who says he will get 20% less in price due to the presence of tenants!
But why is the ‘undue hardship’ of a property company more important that the ‘undue hardship’ that tenants face if they have to find new accommodation?
These are clear cases of injustice and People Before Profit is calling on its supporters to join in two protests.
- On Monday 5th December at 5.30pm tenants are gathering at Dublin City Hall where city councillors meet to demand that the council take over both buildings. Please join them.
- On Saturday 10th December at 12pm, there is a solidarity protest against the eviction at 94-96 Lower Rathmines Road. It will take place outside the apartments.