Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1562. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the situation that students often find themselves in when renting digs, such as curfews being imposed, no privacy and issues with accessing communal areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13002/24]
View answerThe provision of Digs accommodation is one of a number of accommodation options for the wider rental market and in particular third level students. It provides essential additional supply of affordable and flexible accommodation in key areas which suits the needs of many students.
The Government has increased the supports available to incentivise the rent a room scheme. An individual can rent a room/rooms in their home, retain their social welfare entitlements where applicable, and earn up to €14,000 in rental income before having to pay tax. The Government also approved an extension of the rent-a-room relief scheme to disregard income earned when determining medical card eligibility and when examining reckonable income for support under the SUSI grant scheme. In addition, the scheme has been extended to allow local authority tenants to participate on an administrative basis initially, targeting the provision of additional rooms for third level students.
In recognising the need for awareness in undertaking or accessing digs accommodation, I developed and published a Voluntary Regulatory Framework together with a sample license agreement to assist both homeowners and students who wish to participate in the Rent a Room scheme. The guidance aimed to highlight to homeowners and students the key issues to consider and what to expect when entering into a Rent a Room license agreement.
The guidance was published in advance of the 2023/24 academic year and followed a promotional media campaign which raised awareness of the scheme. It is important that both the homeowner and the student document the terms and conditions of the offer of accommodation in writing and that both parties sign the licence agreement. Both parties should retain a copy of the signed licence agreement which can then be referred to in the event of disagreement.
My Government colleagues and I will continue our work to increase awareness and availability of the scheme which is an important provider of flexible and affordable accommodation for students and the wider renter market.
