The Government has announced a range of new rental protections for students ahead of the next academic year. The protections will limit the amount of money that can be demanded upfront by landlords, and will also place a cap on the notice period that students are required to give before vacating.
Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, said the new measures would tackle a number of issues that had been highlighted by students in Galway.
“Students were being asked for up to a year’s rent in advance and were being required to give unreasonably long termination notices. There was also a practice of seeking ‘key money’,” she said.
“The effect of these practices is that the cost of accommodation becomes prohibitive and some students and families cannot afford to pursue their course of choice. There should be no barriers preventing a young person from fulfilling their potential,” she said.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2 ) Bill 2021 will place restrictions on the payments that can be demanded upfront by prospective landlords, limiting it to a total of two months’ rent – a deposit and one month in advance.
This will apply to all tenancies, including those in student-specific accommodation. Renters can make a larger payment if they wish to do so by opting out, but they cannot be forced to do so.
The notice period required from students will also be limited to a maximum of 28 days.
Minister Naughton said that the measures were just the first step ahead of a further suite of rental protections to be announced in autumn.
“This is positive news for new and returning students ahead of the next academic year, and is part of a much broader move intended to make accommodation more accessible and equitable,” she explained.
The measures also extend targeted protections introduced for those negatively affected by Covid-19, in arrears or at risk of homelessness. Subject to eligible tenants making the necessary declaration, they will be protected from rent increases and eviction until January 12, 2022.
