Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD will move the Rent Freeze (Fair Rent) Bill 2019 during Private Members time on Tuesday.
The bill, if enacted, would freeze all rents on existing and new tenancies for a period of three years. The legislation also calls on the Minister for Finance to introduce a refundable tax credit for renters, equivalent to one month’s rent.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“Rents in this State are too high and are continuing to rise. It is time to freeze rents and put money back into the pockets of families and workers.
“The Rent Pressure Zones are not working. Even if they were people can no longer afford any level of rent increase.
“This Government has given tax breaks to developers, landlords and first-time buyers. It is time to give renters a break.
“Sinn Féin has been tabling proposals to deal with spiralling rents since 2016. Unfortunately, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have blocked them.
“We Introduced the Rent Certainty Bill in June 2016. If this had been enacted new rents today would be €5,000 less expensive a year and in Dublin €7,500.
“On the 12th of November 2019, during leaders’ questions, Micheál Martin said ‘It is time for the government to consider imposing a rent freeze, given the exorbitant levels of rent people are facing’.
“Next Tuesday Micheál Martin has a chance to put his money where his mouth is and decide if his party is willing to support renters.
“Renters deserve better. All TDs have a chance next Tuesday to give renters a break.
“This Sinn Féin Bill, if passed, would ensure that renters would be protected from further rent hikes and that they would get a month rent back into their pockets.”
