SF bill to stop ‘crazy’ loophole

A Cork TD has introduced a bill to the Dáil to protect renters in Carrigaline from uncontrolled rent hikes.

The bill, introduced yesterday by Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, will close a loophole which has resulted in parts of Carrigaline, Ballygarvan and Crosshaven being outside of a Rent Pressure Zone, allowing landlords in those areas to increase rents with no limit.

Deputy Ó Laoghaire said that although Rent Pressure Zones in the county and city are “not perfect by any means”, they do keep rent increases to the level of inflation.

He said that, due to a “crazy loophole”, part of Carrigaline south, as well as Ballygarvan and Crosshaven, are not included in a Rent Pressure Zone, meaning 1,200 renters in this area can face whatever rent increase the landlord decides. “It is not common to have a piece of legislation relating to a specific area. However, I have been raising this with successive housing ministers for four years now and have not seen any progress, so I feel I have no choice,” said Deputy Ó Laoghaire.

He continued: “(This bill would) close this loophole and ensure that the entirety of the Carrigaline LEA is included in a Rent Pressure Zone. I am looking forward to debating this issue with the minister as soon as possible.”

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Eoghan Fahy added: “We have been forced to take action here, as successive ministers have made no progress despite promises to address this and stand up for renters in Carrigaline. It is clear the law needs to change.

“Currently, there is nothing to stop a landlord increasing rent on a tenant in these areas by 300 or 400 euro in one go. Ultimately, we need a rent freeze, but some form of control for everyone in the area would be a good start.

“Until this bill is passed, renters in Carrigaline, Ballygarvan and Crosshaven will continue to be at risk of uncontrolled rent hikes.”