Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Student accommodation in a new complex in Cork was advertised at an asking price for some units of €210 a week and for others units the asking price was as high €225 a week. That works out at approximately €900 a month. University College Cork, UCC, Students' Union was asked to advertise and promote it. I must commend it on refusing to do that. It stated, "We have seen an increase every year in rent for student accommodation, and have seen other colleges take a stand. Enough is Enough." It refused to promote the accommodation. That clearly illustrates the market and opportunities that exist for those who wish to make a very significant profit from the lack of student accommodation. Where there is such a shortage, there always will be the potential to exploit the position. As in any situation in any part of the rental market, there are good landlords but also bad landlords. Where such inequality exists between tenants and landlords, it is important that protections are put in place. That is the reason this legislation is very important. It is right and proper that we address what is essentially a loophole. The Government has already long conceded the principle, at least, of rent certainty. That being the case, why would it not extend it to student accommodation? An example has been already given of the 100% rent increase in the Shanowen student accommodation since 2014. There is the potential for that to happen on a much wider basis if we do not address this issue.

The Bill also provides for protections with respect to the Residential Tenancies Board. As Deputy Ó Broin pointed out, that applies equally to landlords but many students are living in accommodation that is appalling, lamentable, overcrowded, damp and in very poor condition and because of the inequality in terms of the situation they are in, they do not feel empowered to do anything about it. This legislation would assist in that regard.

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