Eviction of Waterford couple using electric saw ruled 'invalid' by RTB

Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) has ruled the eviction of a young couple from a property in Waterford City was unlawful. Their former landlord has been ordered to pay €5,250 in damages towards the couple for the invalid eviction.

Aaron and Grace had been living at the property on 2 Queen's Terrace for almost six months, when they received a text from their landlord's representative in August 2023 informing them that they had a month to leave the premises.

The couple signed a license agreement with the landlord, who lives abroad, through his son-in-law. Such agreements are common with rent-a-room schemes, when a tenant lives in the same property as a landlord. Aaron and Grace were the only occupants of the one-bedroom property. RTB stated: “The license agreement does not reflect the reality of the living arrangements and it amounted to a tenancy within the meaning of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004."

In September, multiple men, along with the landlord's representative, forcibly evicted Aaron out of the house. At one point, an electric saw was used to open the door, with Aaron on the other side.

Local members of CATU (Community Action Tenant Union) came to support Aaron and record footage of the invalid eviction. Gardaí were called to assist, but no arrests were made. Gardaí are investigating the GSOC complaint into their involvement on the day of the eviction.

The couple are still living apart due to the current rental market supply in Waterford.Mult