A bill that will prevent tenants from being evicted over the winter months has been passed by both houses of the Oireachtas.

Once signed into law by the President, the Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Bill 2022 will defer ‘no-fault’ tenancy terminations that are due to occur during the coming months from taking effect until after 31 March 2023.

The protection will not, however, cover a tenant who does not pay his or her rent, or is in breach of other tenant obligations – including engagement in anti-social behaviour.

Such a tenancy can still be terminated during the winter, subject to the usual notice periods being given.

‘Short-term’ measure

The legislation covers licences and tenancies in student-specific accommodation, and student tenancies in the general rental market.

Darragh O’Brien (Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage) said that the swift passage of the bill demonstrated a collective commitment to protecting renters during what he called “this exceptional period”.

He added that, while the measure was necessary in the short-term, the long-term answer remained an increased and sustainable supply of new housing.