BY CHRIS ASHMORE
PEOPLE living in social housing affected by defective concrete blocks could have their rents reduced if they are living in hardship and can provide documentary evidence of increased outgoings, local councillors have been told.
According to Councillor Tómas Seán Devine many of the people living in DCB social homes are finding it “nearly impossible” to heat their homes, and he feels they should not be liable for any rent increases.
Indeed, he says that some people are living in “deplorable conditions” and is adamant that those affected should be given “a bit of breathing
space.”
His motion at the March meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council calling for a halt in rent reviews was seconded by Cllr.
Michael McBride who said: “I think it is morally wrong to increase rents on houses that are not fit for purpose.”
In an official reply, Seamus Canning, area manager, said that affected tenants should report matters to the council. He pointed out that there is a hardship clause and people will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
He stressed that the charging of rents is a statutory process and cannot be stopped, but the council is happy to review anyone’s rent.
Cllr Devine was also told that “the rents applicable to council tenants are based on their household income.
Mr Canning added: “Rents are reviewed annually to take into account any increases or decreases in household income, with a view to
adjusting the rents upwards or downwards depending on household circumstances. Indeed, a tenant can request a review at any time, if their circumstances change.”
Eamonn Brown, acting director of planning, Communities and Culture, said that rent review allows for rents to go down as well as up.
“This is important to know,” he said.
He also pointed out that if people provide documentary evidence -like an increase in oil or electricity bills – it may allow the Council to
reduce rents.
“If hardship is there and it is evidence based they may get a reduction,” he explained, adding that people should fill out the relevant forms.
The form is available on the Council website.