Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Mairéad Farrell TD, has launched the party’s legislation to protect student renters in digs accommodation.

The legislation would close loopholes which result in those in digs accommodation having fewer rights than other renters.

Teachta Farrell said:

“I regularly meet with students to discuss the issues which are causing them concern and by far one of their biggest issues is the toll of the housing crisis. It is clear that the crisis is causing immense financial and emotional stress for students. They should be able to focus on completing their studies, but instead too many are forced to live in cramped, unsuitable accommodation or else face exhausting commutes due to the lack of affordable accommodation near their college.

“It is clear that we need to see better regulation of ‘digs’ to better protect students. The availability of these digs is welcome and the vast majority of these arrangements go well. However, from my engagements with students I know that when things do go wrong students feel unsupported by the law in this area. They feel that they have don’t have enough of the important protections necessary to protect their rights and keep them safe.

“For instance, the fact that people can be thrown out of digs at a moment’s notice causes understandable anxiety for many, as well as being unable to lock your bedroom door. Students also don’t have a right to access facilities such as the kitchen in the property. Others are told they can only access the property 5 days a week, meaning they need to move back in on a Monday morning and miss lectures or other college events as a result.

“The legislation I have launched at Leinster House brings practical, common-sense solutions to these problems. It closes these loopholes that have left students unprotected. It ensures renters in digs are treated fairly and appropriately. I’m delighted to be launching this legislation today.

“I am calling on all TDs to back this legislation and stand up for students who have been abandoned in the housing crisis for too long. I am committed to standing up for students to ensure that their rights are protected. I will be publishing the detail of this bill in the coming weeks and look forward to engaging with students and all political parties about how we can work together to progress this.”