An immediate ban on rent increases must introduced as a matter of urgency
The latest rent report from Daft.ie is further evidence that rent levels are out of control, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
“It is alarming that rents have risen by almost 7pc in the past year. Average rents are now double what they were ten years ago. How is this sustainable?
“The Rent Pressure Zone rules have been an utter failure from the very start. Yet, the Government continues to insist on tweaking at the edges of these rules. The latest change, the 2pc cap, like the previous tweaks, just won’t cut it.
“This is the 36th quarter in a row that rents have increased. These month-after-month, year-after-year increases will not be stopped by more of the same failed policies.
“Further rent increases must be stopped. People cannot afford to pay endlessly increasing rent. It is putting families, workers and students under extraordinary financial pressure. An immediate ban on rent increases must be introduced, as a matter of urgency, to prevent rents spiralling even further.
“We also need the large-scale delivery of not-for-profit, affordable cost-rental homes. While the Government may say they are providing cost-rental homes, we have to look at the numbers. Only 25 have been let this year. This is a drop in the ocean compared to what is required. This needs to be scaled up with a sense of urgency and determination.
“Today’s report should be a wake-up call for the Minister for Housing. It’s time to admit failure and to change tack.”
10 November, 2021
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