In a bid to alleviate the housing struggles faced by students, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has announced plans to amend planning permissions for student accommodations in Dublin. The proposed changes aim to enforce mandatory leases throughout the academic year, eliminating the current burden of 51-week leases. Students often find themselves obligated to pay rent beyond their study period, causing disputes with landlords and agencies.
Minister Harris affirmed that the amendment bill, set to be presented to the Cabinet next month, will address these issues and prevent landlords from imposing year-long leases. Additionally, the legislation aims to curb uncontrolled rent hikes, particularly in rent pressure zones where most student residences are situated.
Harris highlighted that under the new law, students can choose to extend their lease voluntarily, and landlords cannot enforce it. The Minister also addressed concerns about landlords charging an extra €3,000 annually, stating that such practices may be in violation of planning permissions. The proposed changes have received positive responses, with Sinn Féin’s Mairead Farrell cautiously optimistic about the potential impact.