Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has said that renters can’t afford another five years of rising rents.

The Dublin Mid-West TD’s comments were made in response to the latest Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) rent report showing rents rising across the state for new and existing tenancies.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The latest RTB rent index shows rents rising across the state for new and existing tenancies.

“New rents outside Dublin are rising by 9% with 12 counties experiencing double digit rent inflation.

“Existing renters continue to be hit with rent inflation with every single county experiencing rental inflation above the Rent Pressure Zone cap of 2%.

“Renters can’t afford another five years of rent increases. But that is what they will get if Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael form the next Government.

“Increasing the renters tax credit without a ban on rent increases will do nothing for renters as the increase will quickly be swallowed up by rent hikes.

“Only Sinn Féin’s proposal for a fully refundable rent tax credit combined with a three year ban on rent increases will give renters the break they need.”