Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin, has said only a Sinn Féin government will deliver the change that renters need.
Speaking today in Dublin City centre, as he unveiled a billboard outlining the party’s plan for renters, Eoin Ó Broin said:
“Renters need change. The cost of renting has skyrocketed under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. As a result of the failures of this government, young adults can no longer afford to move out of their childhood bedrooms. Their lives are being put on hold.
“A Sinn Féin led Government will stand up for renters. We will cut rents. We will increase security of tenure. We will enforce minimum standards. And we will increase the supply of new private rental homes while at the same time providing renters with a pathway to social housing, affordable housing and private home ownership.
“Renters cannot afford another 5 years of Fianna Fáil in charge of housing. They have no interest in helping renters. They represent the landlords and developers and as long as they are in charge things will continue to get worse.
“The only way to deliver lower rents and to get a change of government is to vote for Sinn Féin.
“To give renters a break and to deliver lower rents Sinn Féin will:
- Ban rent increases for three years for all existing and new tenancies including new rental stock.
- Put a full months rent back into every private renters pocket through a refundable tax credit no lower than €1000 and capped at €2000
- Deliver 31,500 affordable cost rental homes over 6 years with rents at or below €1000
- Publish a rent register, similar to the property price register, to ensure transparency in the rental market
- Create real tenancies of indefinite duration by removing sale of property as grounds for an eviction
- Tighten ‘family grounds’ for termination notices for existing tenancies to cases where owners or their children have a legitimate need for the property (inc. risk of homelessness, medical grounds, attendance at college)
- Fund 6,500 tenant-in-situ purchases over 5 years for those with eviction notices making them social and affordable cost rental tenancies
“Voters face a clear choice at this election. A choice between more of the same failures on housing from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that caused the housing crisis. Or a vote for change by voting for Sinn Féin. Ending the housing crisis will be the number one priority of a Sinn Féin government.”
Sinn Féin’s Plan ‘Standing Up For Renters’ is available to view here
