Homeless crisis isn’t letting up

THE disclosure landlords are increasingly opting to let their properties to tourists instead of long-term tenants can only add to the housing and homelessness crisis.

When it is impossible for so many to find accommodation the public will be shocked to discover more than half of all available rental properties in Dublin are listed as short-term.

This is because landlords are increasingly inclined to let to tourists instead of those in desperate need to put a roof over their heads.

When there is an acute shortage of houses and apartments action must now be taken to ensure properties are available to those who need them and not visitors who could just as easily avail of hotels.

In recent weeks it has emerged Government figures for the amount of social housing units being completed cannot be trusted.

Housing charity Threshold’s call for regulation of the short-term letting market makes sense.

While this would not solve the crisis it would certainly mean there would be many more properties available to rent in the Dublin area.

As Threshold points out it is sadly ironic thousands of homeless families are forced to stay long-term in bed and breakfasts and hotels while tourists are using houses and apartments which should be available to rent.

The housing crisis is an emergency situation – and emergency measures need to be taken.