Rental crisis- time to freeze rents

Labour Housing spokesperson Deputy Jan O’Sullivan has said it is time for a rent freeze to be introduced to give renters a much needed break.

It comes as the latest quarterly rental report from Daft.ie shows that average rents in Ireland have risen again to record highs.

Deputy O’Sullivan said:

“The latest quarterly figures from Daft show the average rent across the country has risen by 5.2% and are at an all time high.

“In Dublin, renters are paying an average €2,044 per month, which is an extortionate amount especially when you consider the other significant costs faced by families, such as childcare.

“While the rise in the capital is slowing, the fact remains that rents are still rising.

“Elsewhere, average rent in Cork is at €1,372, Galway €1,299 and my own constituency of Limerick €1,219, representing increases of up to 6% to the end of September.

“After more than three years, it is clear that this Government has failed to get the rental crisis under control.

“Rent pressure zones are failing to cap rents in an affordable way and the 4% annual increases for those that are in leases are simply too high.

“It’s time to freeze rents and introduce maximum rents on a regional basis until enough homes have been built to get to grips with the housing crisis.

“Renters need a break and under this Government are simply not getting one.”