Time Running Out For Tenants –  Crowe

Dublin South West Representative Seán Crowe TD has said that time is running out for tenants that are relying on rent supplement and that many  face a stark choice between the possibility of an introduction of fair rent regulations to tackle rising rents, or face the awful prospect of losing their accommodation and homelessness.

Crowe’s comments came in support of a large variety of housing advocates who are now calling for an increase to rent supplement levels in response to continuing increases in rent levels in Dublin and across the state.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The Government needs to change its approach to rent regulation and wake up to the reality increasingly facing families in rented accommodation. Their current approach is not working and more and more families are facing homelessness. Surely on a human level we cannot allow this possibility to increase and multiply.

“Rents have been going up since this Government came to power and there are simply too few houses available where the demand is growing.  Rents are out of control, especially in Dublin and putting more and more people at risk of homelessness.”

“Sinn Féin supports a fair rent regulation system. This will not solve the demand problem, but it is needed as part of a package of initiatives to help to relieve the pressure of the current  crisis. Many renters are now facing into the homelessness abyss and cannot wait for the Government to give the OK and get around to building a significant amount of social housing

“A rent regulation system is clearly needed now, not next year or when a new Government is formed. Their delays and prevarication is just making the situation worse.

“It’s not rocket science but it does mean making decisions and investing now, and for the future.”