If you have received a Notice to Quit, here is what you need to do

If you receive a notice to quit, notify Tipperary County Council immediately.

That is the advice given by the Director of Services for Housing Sinead Carr at this week’s special council sitting.

Ms Carr said that sometimes tenants can come in in the final days of the notice, which does not give her staff enough time to help.

She said talking to Tipperary County Council on day one gives the team six-months to work with the tenant to prevent them becoming homeless.

“This helps us manage the situation. It doesn’t make it any easier on the person who got the notice to quit, but it does help us to manage it.”

According to a presentation given by official Cora Morrissey, the council has a homelessness coordinator and a senior team for acquiring homes for which an NTQ has been issued.

They have a procedure in place for helping those who receive an NTQ and are working with housing bodies to provide more units .

The council also have emergency accommodation resources if it is still not possible to rehouse the tenant.

Some councillors raised concerns about those who do not qualify for social housing support. Ms Carr said the council may still be able to help if the tenant comes in to talk to them.

However the tenant must have a valid NTQ. They must not have another viable option and must not be in a position to buy the home.

Landlords selling are now required to offer first refusal to the tenant.

More supports for those tenants who do not qualify for social housing is under consideration. She reiterated that it is of the utmost importance that tenants in trouble speak to the council as soon as possible.