‘Dismay’ as councillors vote down review of rent increases

‘Disappointment and dismay’ was expressed after councillors voted down a review of rent increases in South Dublin.

The motion to review the increases was voted down by a difference of one, with 16 voting against and 15 voting for.

The current differential rent is weekly based on 10 per cent of the household’s income plus three euro and a minimum weekly rent of €26.20.

The increases have led to concerning situations for several constituents in the county and Councillor Will Carey noted this has doubled the rent of some.

Cllr Carey said: “Nobody is arguing that people who are earning a living or collecting social welfare payment should not be paying rent.

“It is simply that each of these should be assed as an individual in the home and treated as such.

“It should also be noted that any failure to collect these rents invariably leads to arrears placed upon the main tenant who ends up carrying this debt.”

A report on local authority differential rent schemes and rent reviews from the Value For Money Unit of the Local Government Audit Service is expected to be completed soon.

Cllr Carey added that the rent increase has severely affected young adults still living at home.

He noted that as their income is added jointly to the family income then they are assessed at a rate of 20 per cent.

This has seen some household rents within council properties exceed private market rates. In some instances, as much as €1600 per month, according to the Clondalkin councillor.

“This has led to a lot of tension and consternation within families as parents are forced to demand 20% of income from family members towards rent.

“This at a time when these young people are trying to find their way into the world. In many cases these people are earning minimum wage or just above but are being treated as high earners in society.”

SDCC Director of Housing Elaine Leech noted that the average rent charged by the council is lower than other local authorities in Dublin.

SDCC Chief Executive Colm Ward noted that the current system was introduced to manage maintenance costs and balance the books.

However, Cllr Carey feels that some renters are being “exponentially” hit by increases and noted that the council has “made a mistake.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.