The origins of controversial landlord Marc Godart’s rental empire

The controversial landlord: How Marc Godart and his family built an Irish rental empire

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How did controversial landlord Marc Godart build his extensive portfolio of properties, owned and managed, in Ireland?Europe correspondent Naomi O’Leary followed the money back to the Godart family home in a leafy suburb in Luxembourg.Dublin correspondent Olivia O’Kelly explains what might happen next in the disputes between the prolific landlord and tenants who have lodged complaints against him.Plus: Irene Hayden and Frank Kavanagh expected nothing out of the ordinary when they rented their own property to Mr Godart. They got more than they bargained for.This episode was originally published in April 2023.

Marc Godart pictured in Dublin.
Marc Godart pictured in Dublin.

A series of reports about landlord Marc Godart have provided an insight into the dysfunctional Irish rental market and the powerlessness of tenants.

The native of Luxembourg manages a large property portfolio encompassing flats in Borrisokane, and a range of Dublin properties.

The Irish Times revealed in April that 45 tenants in one apartment block owned and managed by Godart were evicted. The apartments were subsequently let on Airbnb.

Since then, other stories have emerged.

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But how has Mr Godart built his Irish rental empire?

Europe correspondent Naomi O’Leary follows the money back to the Godart homestead in a leafy suburb in Luxembourg, where she puts questions to a member of the Godart family.

Dublin editor Olivia Kelly explains what might happen next for the prolific landlord.

And Irene Hayden and Frank Kavanagh tell the story of what happened when Godart rented their property.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon. This episode was originally published in April 2023.

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison

Bernice Harrison is an Irish Times journalist and cohost of In the News podcast