Simon Communities respond to Daft.ie Rental Price Report
The Simon Communities in Ireland say that figures released today from the Daft.ie 2018 Q3 Rental Report demonstrate how tenants continue to struggle in the face of rising rents and very low supply. The housing and homelessness organisation also said that the report was further proof that Rent Pressure Zones are not having the desired effect.
Rents rose nationwide by an average of 11% in the year to September 2018. This is the tenth consecutive quarter where rents are at an all-time high. Most of the urban centres experienced similar increases; in Dublin prices are 36% higher than Celtic Tiger prices ten years ago; in Limerick and Waterford city rents are 20% higher than one year ago; Galway sees increases of 16% and in Cork the increase is almost 14%. According to this latest Daft report, the number of properties available to rent nationwide on November 01st was 3,124 – this is the lowest number on record since 2006 when the Daft rental reports began. There has been a small increase in Dublin but this has been offset by pressures elsewhere in the country.
The average rent in Dublin is up by almost €1,000 a month, for those landlords that are charging market rents. But even across the country, outside Dublin, the average rent has increased by almost €400 a month from the lowest point and is almost €200 a month more since the previous peak in early 2008.
Niamh Randall, National Spokesperson for the Simon Communities said that urgent measures to enhance security of tenure and introduce rent certainty are needed.
‘Tenants are clearly at a huge disadvantage with low levels of supply and rising prices. Nearly half a million households rent their home. Without full rent certainty and security of tenure they cannot have peace of mind. Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ) are not working, self-policing methods will not work. They need proper monitoring and enforcement by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). We cannot continue to rely on the private sector to deliver the housing needed. The Government must look at other methods such as rapid build housing and doing more with the vacant homes that are all around the country. Enhancing security of tenure has to be an urgent priority to ensure that people can keep a roof over their heads and have greater certainty. In addition, loopholes that allow section 34 evictions to continue for reasons of sale or renovations – so called ‘renovictions’, must be closed down. People trapped in emergency accommodation need secure, affordable homes with support where needed.’
‘Many people in emergency accommodation are there because they have already lost their rented home. It is very difficult, nearly impossible, for people to move on from emergency accommodation and homeless services because there is nowhere for them to go. Bearing in mind ongoing revelations about overcrowding and quality in the private rented sector, it is essential that an NCT type inspection system is implemented as soon as possible with the necessary enforcement mechanisms and severe penalties.’
The Simon Communities deliver supports and services to over 11,000 people and families who experience or are at risk of homelessness every year.
For media queries and interview requests
Helen McCormack
Tel: 01 671 1606/ 085 806 5141
E: communications@simoncommunity.com
About Simon Communities
The Simon Communities support over 11,000 men, women and children. We have almost 50 years of experience providing homeless, housing and treatment services to people facing the trauma and stress of homelessness. We are a network of independent Communities based in Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, the Midlands, the Mid West, the North West and the South East, responding to local needs and supported by a National Office in the areas of policy, research, communications and best practice. We share common values and ethos in tackling homelessness and, informed by our grassroots services, we campaign for more effective policies and legislation regionally, nationally and at European level. Whatever the issue, Simon’s door is always open for as long as we are needed. For more information, please log on to www.simon.ie
Services include:
- Homelessness prevention, tenancy sustainment and resettlement.
- Street outreach, emergency accommodation and harm reduction.
- Housing with support and Housing First services.
- Homeless specific health and wellbeing services (counselling; addiction treatment and recovery; and mental health supports).
- Personal development, education, training and employment services.
- Foodbanks, drop-in centres and soup runs.
