LAST UPDATE | 6 Mar

THE LANDLORD BEHIND controversial planned evictions of some 36 households in Co Wexford has said it has “decided to withdraw” the notices.

In a statement this afternoon to The Journal, a spokesperson for Patchflow Ltd said it recognises that receiving notices of termination can be “deeply unsettling for tenants and their families and acknowledges the stress this situation has caused” within the community.

Despite the landlord withdrawing the notices, it’s understood the 36 cases registered over the evictions with the rental watchdog, the Residential Tenancies Board, remain live. Because the tenants were the ones who made the complaints, only they can withdraw the notice.

It’s understood Hazelwood residents are still discussing the implications of the landlord’s decision and a decision will have to be made by each household on their individual case.

The company has come in for major criticism after it emerged last week that it had issued the notices, 48 hours before new rental rules took effect.

Further controversy followed yesterday when a video was leaked showing an agent of the landlord telling tenants that the rules were to blame, but that they would closely follow “radio shows and political debate” over the subsequent days before making a “final decision” on their future housing.

The spokesperson today said that Patchflow – which is overseen by Wexford businessman Martin Sinnott – is now entering discussions with some tenants about purchasing their home.

“Over the coming weeks the company will meet tenants on an individual basis to discuss their circumstances and explore what options may be available to them,” the spokesperson said.

This arrangement will be carried out on the basis that “existing tenancy agreements remain in place and that all obligations under those agreements, including the payment of rent”, continue to be met, the spokesperson said.

“Patchflow Ltd hopes that this extended period will allow a constructive process to move forward and create the time and space needed for solutions to be explored for all involved,” the spokesperson added.

“Given that this process is now underway, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

In the Dáil this week, when asked about the case, Tánaiste Simon Harris told Lawlor that rental laws “need to be complied with by landlords” and that “existing tenancies must be respected”.

The rental watchdog has been examining the case on grounds believed to relate to the Tyrellstown Amendment, which prohibits landlords from selling ten or more homes at once without tenants remaining in situ.