PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, 13th December 2016
The Irish Council for Social Housing says Minister Coveney’s Private Rental Sector Strategy has begun to deal with some of the crucial issues affecting the private rented sector but there is ‘need for urgent implementation’ says CEO, Dr. Donal McManus.
Commenting on the provisions for affordable rental solutions, Dr McManus said “Providing state lands in rent pressure zones for 1,000 units is welcome. However, the speed of delivery will be key in addressing the urgent need, as well as scaling-up to accommodate a growing number of households who are not eligible for social housing support, who struggle in the private rental market, and who are unlikely to purchase their own home. This commitment signals a maturing of Government policy in recognition of long-term rental as a tenure of choice for middle incomes, and marks a sea change in the traditional policy of promoting homeownership for this group. The ICSH strongly urge the inclusion of a mixed-tenure approach under this initiative.”
Speaking on the rent predictability measures, Dr. McManus said “The measures are a step in the right direction but a 12% increase on an average rent of €1,375 per month in Dublin will add €1,980 to a yearly rental cost of €16,500 by year three. This will not bring much comfort to tenants in this situation”.
The ICSH welcome the commitment to improve standards as well as the housing inspections regime, which has been underperforming for many years leaving tenants in sub-standard and unacceptable accommodations. These are progressive measures, but any inspection regime will need to be well-resourced if it is to be effective.
Notes for Editors
- The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) is the national federation for non-profit housing associations, representing approximately 270 members that provide social housing. The sector manages over 30,000 homes for families on a low income, older people, people with disabilities and homeless households.
- The residential Tenancies Board Rent Index for quarter 3 2016, identifies the average rent in Dublin at €1,375. Annual growth in Dublin is 7.1%, while growth outside of Dublin is 9.7% http://www.rtb.ie/docs/default-source/default-document-library/rtb-rent-index-report-q3-2016-final.pdf
