Rental crisis forgotten by this conservative coalition

Rental crisis forgotten by this conservative coalition

Responding to the latest RTB rental figures published today, Labour leader and housing spokesperson Ivana Bacik TD has called on Government to enact Labour's renters' rights bill without delay.

Deputy Bacik said:

"Renters are treated as the poor relations by this Government - and yet more evidence of this is shown with today's RTB report. Under this conservative coalition, rents continue to sky rocket. The RTB has today reported an 8.1% increase for new tenancies in Q1 of this year alone, and 5.9% for existing tenants.

"These figures show the stark difficulties and escalating costs facing those who are entering into new rental contracts, and this is exacerbating the homelessness crisis.

"Labour's vision for a fair and affordable rental sector directly challenges this status quo. Our Renters' Rights Bill, introduced in 2021, would have offered a constructive solution to the ongoing crisis. By tackling 'no-fault' evictions and providing greater security of tenure, our Bill, if passed, would provide a lifeline to renters facing uncertainty and instability in their housing situations.

"I would urge this Government to put the protection of renters at the core of its programme for the remainder of its term. There can be no doubt that those struggling with the unending anxiety of renting in Ireland, and the ongoing fear of eviction, will make their voices heard loud and clear when an election is eventually called. To protect renters and give people a decent chance of having a secure roof over their head, we say, the sooner the better."