Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has today called on the government to immediately introduce a ban on rent increases, as new figures show rents continuing to spiral beyond the reach of ordinary workers and families.
According to the latest Daft.ie Rental Price Report from Q1 of this year, the average monthly rent in County Wicklow has now soared to €2,106, representing a 4.9% increase in the past year alone. Meanwhile, figures published by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) show an even more alarming trend, with rents for new tenancies increasing by 11.9% in comparison to last year.
Speaking on the issue, Deputy Brady said:
“These figures lay bare the harsh reality that people in Wicklow – and across the country – are facing. Rents are now completely out of control. An average monthly rent of over €2,100 in Wicklow is simply unaffordable for the vast majority of people. The RTB’s 11.9% increase for new tenancies shows how landlords are exploiting loopholes and continuing to hike up rents whenever a tenancy changes hands.
“This is not sustainable. Ordinary workers, families, and young people trying to build a future are being pushed out of their communities, unable to afford basic housing. People are being priced into poverty”.
“It is clear that the government’s housing policy has failed. They have allowed the market to dictate everything, with no regard for affordability or fairness. The time for half-measures is over.
Deputy Brady is calling on the government to immediately introduce a ban on future rent increases to give renters a break and stop the current crisis from worsening further.
“If this government is serious about addressing the ever-worsening housing crisis, it must step in now and freeze rents. Anything less is a betrayal of the thousands of people who are struggling every single day, just to keep a roof over their heads. Renters need protection – not more broken promises”. ENDS