Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
177. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding student accommodation deposits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31635/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudents facing issues relating to college accommodation should, in the first instance, engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. Advice on tenant's rights can also be sought from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) www.rtb.ie/.
Restrictions have also been put in place to limit the amount that students can be required to pay up front for their accommodation, ending the practice whereby students were required to pay a lump sum up front each term. The total amount that anyone is required to pay to a landlord by way of a deposit or an advance rent payment to secure a tenancy to no more than the equivalent of 2 months’ rent- that is one month’s rent, and one month’s deposit. In addition, student accommodation is subject to Rent Pressure Zone caps. Under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and this should be used when such issues arise.
