Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the latest rental report from Daft.ie shows that rents are continuing to rise to worrying levels across south Dublin.

Renters faced average rent increases of 10% in the first three months of 2022, compared to the same period last year. The average monthly asking rent in the first three months of 2022 was €2,314.

Teachta Crowe said:

“The latest Daft.ie rental report for the first three months of 2022 shows that the average asking rent is up 10% in Dublin South West compared to the same period last year. The average monthly asking rent in the first three months of 2022 was €2,314.

“This is a crisis. These shocking rent increases are not accompanied by similar hikes in wages and with the cost of living already through the roof, people will struggle to meet these rent hikes.

“We know that people on ordinary incomes are struggling to pay the cost of their rent and are under huge financial pressure. Far too many workers and families here in Dublin South West go to bed and wake the next day worrying about how they will pay their monthly rent. This should not be happening.

“Clearly, the Government’s 2% cap in rent pressure zones isn’t working, while those living outside rent pressure zones are feeling the full force of the market rises. The government must stand up for renters here in south Dublin and ensure that rents are cut drastically, so that they are at levels that are affordable for people on ordinary incomes.

“We need a ban on rent increases on all existing and new tenancies and we need Government to put money back in renters’ pockets through a refundable tax credit worth a month’s rent. The Government must also accept that we need to see affordable cost rental delivered at scale. At least 4,000 units per year to meet affordable rental demand is needed.”