Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I have been working closely with the Minister for housing, Deputy O'Brien, on this matter. I thank him and his Department and officials for their continued support and engagement. We both agree the actions of these providers is unacceptable. While a 51-week lease may suit some third level students - perhaps those who require to be in a university for a longer period than the traditional college year - it is not desirable or affordable for the majority of students and we intend to take actions to mitigate what could become a barrier in some cases to accessing higher education. This week I will be writing to the local authority in Dublin and to other relevant local authorities and seeking an urgent assessment from them to ascertain if providers are operating in compliance with specific planning conditions for the developments. I may have my view on that but it is not for me to make that determination. It is important that the local authorities carry out that urgent assessment because providers must operate in accordance with specific planning permission for developments.

In addition to that, I would like to see the law changed in this area. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and I are examining legislative amendments to make sure contracts are prioritised for students in the academic year under the Residential Tenancies Act. I thank the Minister for his continued work on that.

Students should continue to contact providers directly to ascertain the availability of their accommodation for the academic year. Under the residential tenancies Act 2016, landlords cannot ask anyone to pay more than the equivalent of two months' rent to secure a tenancy. It is important we continue in this Chamber to amplify that message. I also ask students and families to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same. I remind all students that student accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board, RTB, which provides a confidential dispute resolution service. A student can contact the RTB with a complaint or dispute regarding their accommodation. This is an area I want to see progress in.

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