Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Like many in the Chamber, I have noticed in recent months a surge in applications for large-scale private student accommodation developments. While student accommodation is needed, we must ensure that there is regulation, especially of rents. Recently, there were protests at DCU after two privately-built student accommodation developments near the campus announced that they were hiking their rents by up to 27%. In the space of just four years, rent in some of the private student accommodation around the university has doubled, which is unfair. It makes a mockery of RPZs that a loophole exists whereby students are the only ones who can face rent hikes of such large amounts. This is placing a burden on young people and many of the rent increases will be shouldered by their parents. We need one rule for all in RPZs. Students cannot be discriminated against when it comes to the protection of tenants.

I have heard many stories of students not getting their deposits back because of minor issues and not getting maintenance issues sorted. Due to the considerable shortage of accommodation, many students are concerned about losing their tenancies if they persist with raising maintenance issues with landlords. It makes sense that students should have access to the RTB dispute resolution process and be able to avail of all the protections afforded other tenants.

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