Landlord withdraws eviction notices for 36 households at Wexford housing estate

Footage shows an agent for a landlord attributing the eviction notices served on 36 homes in Wexford to new rental rules.

Eviction notices affecting 36 households at a housing estate in Co Wexford — issued ahead of new rental laws coming into effect on March 1 — have been withdrawn.

A video that emerged on Thursday shows a representative of Patchflow Ltd stating that the notices were issued because of the new rental rules.

The company later confirmed in a statement that it would withdraw the termination notices.

The statement said Patchflow Ltd "recognises the concern and uncertainty that has arisen in recent weeks for tenants living in Hazelwood Estate in Bridgetown".

The company said it "understands" that receiving notices of termination can be “deeply unsettling for tenants and their families” and acknowledged the “stress this situation has caused within the community".

"In order to allow time for constructive engagement and to support a resolution process, Patchflow Ltd has decided to withdraw the notices of termination that were issued to tenants," a spokesperson said.

"Patchflow Ltd can confirm that discussions have already begun with some tenants who have expressed an interest in purchasing their homes."

The company said it plans to meet tenants over the coming weeks "on an individual basis to discuss their circumstances and explore what options may be available to them".

"This arrangement will apply on the basis that existing tenancy agreements remain in place and that all obligations under those agreements, including the payment of rent, continue to be met.

"Patchflow Ltd hopes that this extended period will allow a constructive process to move forward and create the time and space needed for solutions to be explored for all involved.

"Given that this process is now underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time."

'Better just to sell up and get out'

The doorbell-camera footage shows an agent for the landlord telling a resident they are being served with a notice of eviction.

“Have you heard about the new rental rules?” the man asks.

“So we’re serving eviction notices.” 

Asked by the resident if they were being "kicked out", the man says "maybe not".

“Our view is that they’re very unfavourable to the landlord so we think it’s better just to sell up and get out. We’re giving ourselves the option that we can do that but I tell you, we don’t know how it’s going to pan out over the next fortnight, we’ll say, right. Next week, there’ll be loads of radio shows and political debate,” he said.

“We’ll make the final decision then in about 10 days. That’s the way it’s going.”

More to follow...