South Dublin County Council Proposes 25% Rent Increase for Tenants
South Dublin County Council proposes a 25% rent increase, raising base rates from 10% to 12.5%. This follows Dublin City Council's approval of potential 35% increases in November. The move, driven by a €55.6 million funding gap, sparks concern over affordability amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
South Dublin County Council has proposed a 25% rent increase for tenants, raising base rates from 10% to 12.5%. Sinn Féin councillor William Carey expressed shock, noting the issue will be discussed at today’s Dublin City Council Strategic Policy Committee meeting. This follows recent protests against rent hikes, including one outside Dublin’s City Hall after Dublin City Council narrowly approved a potential 35% increase in November.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy raised the proposed increases with Tánaiste Simon Harris in the Dáil, highlighting the financial strain on families amidst the cost-of-living crisis. Harris responded by emphasizing the need for fairness in council rents, stating that people should pay a fair rate as part of the social contract.
The Dublin City Council vote in November saw 31 councillors in favor and 30 against the rent changes, which could lead to increases of up to 35% for some tenants. This marks the first planned change to rent calculation in 30 years, with new rates based on income and household category. Council officials cited a €55.6 million funding gap for social housing as the reason for the proposed increases.