Student Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024

Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Questions (617)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

617. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how his Department will ensure the enforceability of the definition for student accommodation as provided for in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended by the Residential Tenancies Act 2019 (details supplied) for the purpose of ensuring that licence agreements and other measures designated for student specific accommodation is not used by providers that place their properties outside the scope of the said definition through imposing a lease length that is longer than the academic term. [6355/24]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

Minister O’Brien and I have asked our officials to engage on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. While there may be a market for 51 week leases among some members of the student population, it is not desirable for the vast majority of the student population. We have asked our officials to establish the circumstances of the 51 week leases and consider what action may follow.

I have no function in the operational matters of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) which is an independent quasi-judicial body.