Labour has hit out at recent figures from the Residential Tenancies Board, claiming new tenants remain "at the mercy of landlords".

The new RTB data shows new tenants are facing hikes of up to 6.6 per cent in Dublin.

Commenting on the figures, Jan O'Sullivan TD said: "Without the cap of 4 per cent in Rent Pressure Zones, which in itself is far too high, new tenants in Dublin are looking at hikes of 6.6 per cent.

"This is much higher than annual inflation hikes and is proving simply unaffordable for many renters.

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"There needs to be transparency in the rental market regarding what is being charged from lease to lease."

Deputy O'Sullivan has called for a residence-specific register to be made public for all new tenants to bring more transparency to the private rental market.

"This would help to safeguard tenants' rights and prevent unfair hikes in rents from tenant to tenant," she added.

"The Labour Party's Residential Tenancies Bill 2018 seeks to do just that, while still protecting the identity of landlords.

"Our Bill, however, is still at Committee Stage and when we proposed an amendment to establish a public Rent Register to the Government’s own Bill earlier this year, it was rejected by the Minister.

"Unaffordable rents are driving people into homelessness every day; it is time to provide accurate information to new tenants and to freeze rents while this crisis continues."

(CM/MH)