Holly Cairns
Question:804. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to protect student renters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17357/23]
View answerTuesday, 18 April 2023
Questions (804)
Written answers
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 has been amended in recent years to greatly enhance tenancy protections for students. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 provides for relevant obligations and rights under residential tenancies legislation to apply to tenancy and licence agreements in student-specific accommodation, provided by public educational institutions or by private accommodation providers. For example, the rent increase restriction that applies in Rent Pressure Zones applies to student-specific accommodation and recourse is available to the Residential Tenancies Board where disputes arise.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 was signed into law on 9 July 2021 and limits, in respect of tenancies created on or after 9 August 2021, the amount of rent in advance (maximum of 1 month’s rent) and/or a deposit (maximum of 1 month’s rent) that a landlord can ask anyone, including a student, to pay to secure a tenancy. Accordingly, the maximum upfront payment can be no more than 2 months’ rent and any ongoing advance rent payment during a tenancy can only cover 1 month’s rent. That Act greatly reduces the financial exposure to tenants, including students, on foot of paying much restricted upfront payments.
As set out in the Housing for All Action Plan Update (published in November, 2022), my Department has commenced a comprehensive review of the private rental sector. This review will take into account the significant regulatory changes over the past several years in the residential rental market, and will report on how our housing system can be enhanced to provide an efficient, affordable, viable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants, including students.
This review will include a thematic review of the principal and relevant elements of the rental market to ensure that Ireland has a sector which meets the needs of tenants, both short-term and long-term, while providing a supportive environment for the maintenance of the existing stock and provision of new units. The review conclusions will draw on international practice. The review is underway and will conclude as early as possible, with the benefit of public consultation and targeted engagement with various stakeholders. My Department is engaging with the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in carrying out the review and implementing relevant recommendations.
This review will be essential in properly planning future policy for the residential rented sector including implementing measures to support both landlords and tenants.