Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The RTB is doing a good job. Recently I have found that some landlords will not take HAP tenants. This will be the main issue in the future. They do not wish to take the HAP and due to lack of supply, that will become a serious issue. For example, there is a need for student accommodation in my area. People who are in the HAP scheme and looking for houses are finding it hard. They might go into a house that is unfit for purpose. There are not too many of them but they exist. What will be done in cases where many families are seeking accommodation and landlords will not accept HAP, as is their right?

Recently, people have come to my clinics to tell me that their landlord is selling the house. In fairness to landlords, they are well informed about their entitlements as well, as we are with regard to tenants. They say they are selling the house, give the tenants the six or seven months notice and it is all official. What the Minister is doing is good in a way, but I am finding that landlords are saying they will not take HAP. That is causing me concern. I find it very hard to get accommodation for families; it is extremely hard even to get flats or apartments. There are landlords who will take HAP but this legislation could have a slight knock-on effect on that, which is a concern.