Rental increases pricing tenants out of market
THERE are growing concerns that rental increases are pricing tenants out of the market, following the release of the Rental Tenancies Board Report for the end of 2017.
Louth Councillor Ruairí Ó Murchú has called on the Housing Minister to ‘introduce workable rent controls in Dundalk town and its surrounding areas.’
Cllr Ó Murchú added ‘ We’ve seen the rental market in the county increase by 11% over the last year, with average rents just at roughly €900 per month in Dundalk.
‘Looking at Daft.ie it appears the current market rate is nothing under €1,000 per month which is out of the reach of many people.’
‘Sadly this confirms what Sinn Féin stated when voting against the rent pressure zone legislation in December 2016. The introduction of rent pressure zones are not stopping rent increases.’
He added: ‘ We need real rent certainty. This can only be achieved by linking rents to an index such as the Consumer Price Index. Until Government does this renters will continue to struggle with ever increasing and unaffordable rents.’
The figures emerged after a recent survey by the Simon Community highlighted rental prices are now proving out of the reach of people who are on housing benefits.
The survey showed that in Dundalk, there were just 31 properties to rent during a three day period surveyed. Of these, there were just 17 available within the limits of HAP or RS.