Offaly woman with rent arrears warned she could lose her home

AN Offaly mother of seven was told that unless she pays rent arrears she is at risk of losing her home.

Judge Susan Fay issued the advice at Tullamore District Court when Offaly County Council sought an order for possession against a tenant.

The court heard that by March of this year arrears stood at some €9,000 but they had not increased since 2021.

Emily Mahon, solicitor for the County Council told the court that the woman had spoken to the council and was willing to engage with MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service).

“So there is some hope that she'll be able to make some progress,” said Ms Mahon.

Judge Fay told the woman she was in the “last chance saloon” and said that the court could make the order sought by the council.

“Do you know how hard it would be for you to seek accommodation for you and your seven kids?” asked the judge.

Judge Fay also said the matter before her was “not a victimless case” and if the woman lost her home her children would be the victims because they may have to move schools and lose their friends.

The mother, who said her children were aged from 17 years of age down, agreed that she would have nowhere else to go and said she was paying rent and was going to put €20 extra a week towards the arrears.

She also said she could get a loan or go to St Vincent de Paul. She had not yet been to MABS.

Ms Mahon indicated that the application from the council for a possession order could be adjourned but said: “This is the 14^th adjournment since 2021 so they're really at the end of their tether.”

Judge Fay said the fact that the tenant had turned up in court was a huge positive but she again cautioned the woman about what could happen if she lost her house.

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“You won't get accommodation full stop. There'll be a huge ripple effect.” She advised her to consider applying for legal aid and getting a payment plan through MABS.

The judge was told by the council's solicitor that the woman was “on her third or fourth” payment plan.

Judge Fay advised the mother to save money regularly.

“When you get money every week pay yourself, pay yourself and put money aside for the arrears.”

She asked the woman how she would mind her kids and keep them safe if she had no home for them.

“This could be a very small price to pay to keep your family together.”

The woman said she would pay €40 per week towards the arrears and Judge Fay adjourned the matter to May 27 next for mention, and it will be due in court again on June 13.

“I am going to keep an eye on this,” said the judge.

When the tenant thanked the judge, Judge Fay replied: “You're not doing this for me. You're doing this for your children.”