A tribunal heard how both sides of a dispute were “let down” by the Hap process, which took 15 months in total before payments were made, none of which were backdated.
A pensioner who sold personal items to fund rent and did not have enough money “to eat” at times while awaiting Housing Assistance Payments ( Hap ) has been ordered to pay more than €6,000 in rent arrears . A tribunal heard how both sides of a dispute were “let down” by the Hap process, which took 15 months in total before payments were made, none of which were backdated.
Landlord Ursula Sheehan said the Housing Assistance Payment process had “broken down” after her tenant, Maria Roettger, had moved into the property in Doneraile, Co Cork, in 2022. Ms Sheehan said there was an arrangement that Ms Roettger would “do the best she could”; however, she added that her mortgage has since been sold to a vulture fund which is “looking to repossess and sell the dwelling”. Although rent payments have been up to date since Hap payments began, she said Ms Roettger owed €6,369.50 in arrears. Ms Roettger told the tribunal she did not expect the Hap process to “take so long” and sold personal items to fund her rent in the first few months of her tenancy. Outlining issues with application forms being sent to the incorrect address, she added she had to get receipts and translations concerning her German pension. She acknowledged arrears had built up but said she paid Ms Sheehan “everything she had” adding that sometimes she “did not have enough to eat”, according to a tribunal report just published. Ms Roettger had claimed she made payments in cash and did not owe Ms Sheehan any money, though she did not keep a record of what was paid. The tribunal said evidence given by both sides “was not entirely satisfactory”, and “record keeping was poor”.
HAP RENT ARREARS TRIBUNAL TENANT LANDLORD
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Clare Woman Ordered to Pay Compensation for Christmas Day Paint AttackNoelle Walsh was found guilty of criminal damage after covering her boyfriend and his sister's cars in paint on Christmas morning. Judge Gabbett considered the public notoriety and Ms. Walsh's lack of empathy but ruled that compensation must be paid for the damage.
Read more »
Girl (12) charged with manslaughter of pensioner in LeicesterPensioner died after alleged assault while walking dog in park near his home
Read more »
Convicted Rapist Dominique Pelicot Will Not Appeal, New Trial Ordered for Co-DefendantsDominique Pelicot, found guilty of drugging and raping his wife for almost a decade, will not appeal his 20-year sentence. However, a new trial will take place as 17 co-defendants, who were also convicted of rape, have appealed their sentences.
Read more »
Los Angeles wildfires: State of emergency declared as 30,000 ordered to evacuateCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom said that ‘many structures’ have been destroyed
Read more »
Man charged with stabbing pigs at asylum seeker accommodation ordered to stay away from sitesDarren Jackson, 39, has been charged with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and theft. He is accused of stabbing two pigs at a property intended for international protection applicants in Dublin, Ireland.
Read more »
Woman who falsely claimed €18,000 in social welfare benefits ordered to complete community serviceMaria Stefan, 33, pleaded guilty to theft of one-parent allowance and rental allowance and was sentenced to 240 hours of community service.
Read more »