Wexford social housing tenants in arrears can still have maintenance works done

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Social housing tenants in Co Wexford who find themselves in arrears will be treated the same as those up-to-date with their rent so long as they have a repayment plan in place.

Requesting information on the rights of those who fall behind on their rent, Councillor Tom Forde said the Wexford County Council (WCC) tenant’s handbook suggested those in arrears were treated differently to others.

“It is stated in the tenant’s handbook that rent has to be up-to-date if tenants want repairs done,” he noted at the January meeting of WCC. “Is there a limit to what arrears have to be reduced to? Could we have a breakdown of what maintenance you are entitled to if you’re in arrears?”

In response director of housing Carolyne Godkin said those in arrears could still have “essential repairs” carried out so long as they were engaging with the council’s housing team.

“Essential repairs such as water leaks are carried out regardless,” she said. “There’s no issue with people being in arrears, it happens all the time. The key is to be in a repayment plan. Once you’re in a repayment plan you are considered the same (as anyone else).”