Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has launched Sinn Féin legislation to protect student renters in digs accommodation.
The legislation is designed to close loopholes which result in students in digs having fewer rights than other renters.
Deputy Farrell said that she regularly meets with students to discuss the issues causing them concern, and one of their biggest issues by far is the housing crisis.
“It is clear that the crisis is causing immense financial and emotional stress for students. They should be able to focus on completing their studies, but instead too many are forced to live in cramped, unsuitable accommodation or else face exhausting commutes due to the lack of affordable accommodation near their college,” she said.
The Sinn Féin TD said that the availability of these digs is welcome and the vast majority of these arrangements go well.
“However, from my engagements with students I know that when things do go wrong students feel unsupported by the law in this area. They feel that they have don’t have enough of the important protections necessary to protect their rights and keep them safe.”
Deputy Farrell pointed to the fact that people can be thrown out of digs at a moment’s notice causes understandable anxiety for many, as well as being unable to lock your bedroom door.
“Students also don’t have a right to access facilities such as the kitchen in the property. Others are told they can only access the property 5 days a week, meaning they need to move back in on a Monday morning and miss lectures or other college events as a result,” she said.
“The legislation I have launched at Leinster House brings practical, common-sense solutions to these problems. It closes these loopholes that have left students unprotected. It ensures renters in digs are treated fairly and appropriately. I’m delighted to be launching this legislation today.”
Deputy Farrell called on all TDs to back the legislation and said that the detail of the bill will be published in the coming weeks.
