Council rent hikes kicked in this week

Tenants in local authority homes in Westmeath are facing possible rent rises this week.

A recent review of rents came into effect on February 4, and means tenants will face a potential hike of the lesser of €20 per week or 25% of current weekly rent.

Rental income from the council's housing stock amounted to €6.90m for 2022 against a budget of €6.64m, a surplus of circa €260,000, but for 2023, the income budgeted is €7,392,660, to be achieved by the implementation of a rent review which has been underway.

The council's Director of Finance Jimmy Dalton has said that any increase in rent arising from the rent review is being restricted to the lesser of €20 per week or 25% of current weekly rent.

At last week's monthly meeting of the council the cathaoirleach, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke asked that as the council’s tenants are notified of the changes in their rent, that the letters being sent to them set out clearly the basis on which the adjustments are being made. Cllr Tom Farrell and Cllr Ken Glynn both expressed concern about tenants facing rent increases.

Cllr Mick Dollard asked what the cost is of bringing council properties back ready for rentin.

Responding to the queries from councillors, Mr Dalton said that the median amount owed in arrears is €144, meaning half of those in arrears owe less than €144, and half owe more than that.

There was a small number of tenants with significant arrears, and there is a hardship clause that the council applies from time to time if tenants are prepared to engage.