A new Sinn Féin Bill to protect student accommodation tenants from increasing rent prices has moved to the second stage, where it will be brought forward during Private Members Time.

The Residential Tenancies Bill 2018 was introduced today, 02 May, by Sinn Féin spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD and Kathleen Funchion TD.

Mr Ó Broin said: "We are introducing this bill to rectify what we believe to be an anomaly in the current legislation. 

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"Currently, students living in student specific accommodation under license agreements may not be covered by the tenant protection measures within the Residential Tenancies Acts.

"Since 2014 the reported cost of accommodation for the student term in Shanowen has increased from around €4,500 to nearly €9,000 for next term. 

"Students are currently paying €7,000 and when we met the students from DCU student's union they stated that the rent has increased six times in four years and that they also have to pay 'non-refundable' deposits."

The new Bill would force landlords to adhere to the rent pressure zone legislation and ensure that tenants have access to the RTB dispute resolution process in cases such as deposit retention and maintenance issues.

(CM)