Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
1235. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the mortgage to rent scheme will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4253/20]
View answerThe Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme introduced in 2012 is targeted at those households in mortgage arrears who have had their mortgage position deemed unsustainable by their lender under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process. In order for a borrower to qualify for the MTR scheme, the mortgage, property and household must meet detailed eligibility criteria. In addition, the MTR process has to be carefully implemented with so many parties involved, including the homeowner, the lender, the relevant local authority and the Approved Housing Body or Private Company willing to acquire the property to enable the borrower to remain in their home as a social housing tenant.
I am not in a position to comment on any particular case nor would it be appropriate for me to do so. I would, however, emphasise that as part of the normal administration of the scheme, the Housing Agency, who administer the scheme on my Department's behalf, would need to ensure that all the criteria underpinning the scheme are complied with in each case. The reasons why a case may not progress are varied and can depend on the lender, the property or the circumstances of the particular household.
Should it transpire that MTR is not an option in a particular case, it will be a matter for the borrower to discuss with their lender if there are other options available to resolve their mortgage arrears situation.
My focus, and that of the Government, is to ensure that as many households as possible remain in their homes and I would encourage borrowers to engage with the Abhaile Service, the national mortgage arrears resolution service, which is available free of charge to the borrower. The unique element of Abhaile is that it brings together, for the first time, the full range of supports and services required by borrowers in home mortgage arrears. A dedicated adviser will work with the borrower and their lender to find the best solution for their particular situation. MABS acts as the gateway for the service and can be contacted by telephoning (076)1072000 or by accessing their website at: www.mabs.ie/abhaile .
For those borrowers in danger of losing their home who are ineligible for the MTR scheme but qualify for social housing support, it is recommended that they engage as early as possible with their local authority regarding their long-term housing needs.
