Locked Out: Housing charity says stats paint 'dire picture' for renters in Meath

A HOUSING charity has called for state intervention to bring relief to tenants after record levels of rent increases were reported in recent months.

Rents increased by the fastest rate on record in the second quarter of this year, according to the latest report from property website Daft.ie.

John-Mark McCafferty, chief executive of housing charity Threshold, said the report “paints a dire picture” for private renters in Ireland.

Last week, it was confirmed that almost 3,000 private renters have received notices to quit in the first half of this year, while the number of adults and children experiencing homelessness has exceeded 10,000.

Mr McCafferty said: “Threshold notes a total disregard of the rules by certain landlords, and that private renters should not be expected to pay unlawful rent increases.”

He also said the increases have been “particularly severe” in areas not protected by the Rent Pressure Zone rules.

Threshold said private rental costs will also have a particularly adverse impact on students returning to college, or those starting college for the first time this year.

“Even the cheapest room on offer exceeds the SUSI grant and what a student can make while working part-time,” the charity said.

“For this reason, students are warned to be aware of scams and fraudulent adverts.

Mr McCafferty added: “Threshold hopes to see enhanced supports for renters in the forthcoming Budget, as well as tax changes for landlords which are linked to improved security of tenure for tenants and their families.”

Threshold can be contacted free phone at 1800 454 454 or visit threshold.ie/advice