Mayo family left in shock over astronomical rent hike
A family in Westport have revealed their shock after discovering their landlord had increased the rent on their home in the town from €970 to €1,650 a month. . .a staggering hike of €700.
Edel McManamon shared her plight on social media as well as raising her concerns with local elected representatives.
In her Facebook post, she stated: "Can someone please explain to me what expenses have rose in the letting of our house that warrants an additional €700 extra each month?
"We moved in four years ago. We have paid the rent religiously each month, even through Covid-19.
"We have not asked for anything. Not a wall was painted since we moved in. We did this ourselves. We do all the upkeep externally and internally.
"I live here with my two children. This kind of rent is unaffordable for a family. So, essentially, we are being made homeless.
"How has this town come to this? Families are no longer wanted here."
Councillor Brendan Mulroy said it is unacceptable of any landlord to expect a family to meet such an increase.
"I am very concerned about this situation and have raised it with Mayo County Council.
"This crisis has got to a point where rent freezes will have to be introduced in our towns and villages by the designation of rent pressure zones going forward.
"Several other municipal districts around the country have already done so.
"The situation is completely out of control in Mayo as it stands and needs to be urgently addressed.
Councillor Mulroy said his heart went out to the McManamon family - with whom he has been in touch - and other families over what has happened to them.
Tom Gilligan, director of housing services at Mayo County Council, said such as astronomical increase is a very concerning development for the town of Westport as well as Mayo in general.
He stated: "It was something we have been fearing for some time and the reason why the council made representations to the Housing Agency earlier this year about designating local electoral areas (LEA) in Mayo as rent pressure zones."
In its reply to the council on July 29 last, the agency said it was is aware that Westport is very close to the relevant reference average rent by LEA at 96.3 and will continue to monitor trends in Westport and other LEAs in Mayo.
The reference average rent in order to be considered for designation is 100, based on the Rent Index for quarter one of 2022 and published by Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) on July 27. last
The criteria for designation as a rent pressure zone has two conditions to meet - firstly, the rent in four of the most recent six quarters must exceeds 7% in each quarter and, secondly, the local average rent exceeds the relevant reference average rent.
Westport does not currently meet both conditions at this time.
But this latest case affecting the McManamon family has certainly raised questions in respect of the analysis.
A statement issued by Westport Family and Community Resource Centre outlined: "We see this on a weekly basis, rents being increased, houses being sold, people are being made homeless every day across the county.
"We need the minister and local authority to intervene and address the housing crisis in Mayo."