The latest Rent Index report from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is further evidence that rents in Ireland are out of control, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“Someone looking for a place to rent is now paying an average of €1,595 per month, rising to a staggering €2,098 in Dublin.
“Last year also saw rents in existing tenancies rise by 4.5 per cent in Dublin, 5.4 per cent in Waterford city, 5 per cent in Cork, 6.1 per cent in Galway city and 5.5 per cent in Limerick city.
“With rents in Irish cities now rising at multiples of the 2 per cent Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) cap, it’s clear this Government is presiding over a dysfunctional rent control system.
“How is anybody supposed to save for a place of their own when they have to sacrifice so much of their income simply to keep a roof over their head?
“I’m calling on the Government to immediately put in place a rent register to bring transparency to the sector. The Residential Tenancies Board must also be properly resourced and empowered to robustly enforce Rent Pressure Zone regulations.
“This Government’s inaction is leaving renters to pick up the tab for a broken rental sector.”
May 2, 2024