Calls for government to ban no-fault evictions

Sinn Féin's Eoin Ó Broin has put forward a Private Members' Bill in the Dáil, aiming to implement a ban on no-fault evictions and cap rent increases.

The government's recent reforms to the private rental sector have led to a  surge in termination notices. The new rental rules, introduced on March 1, allow landlords to reset rents to market rates once a tenancy ends. The new rules also means that if a landlord takes on new tenants, they must be given a six-year lease.

“Private rents have hit their highest level in 25 years according to the latest Daft.ie rent report” said Ó Broin. “The report also shows that the rate of rent inflation is also the highest since records began. This dramatic surge in market rents is a direct consequence of the government’s decision to allow landlords to reset rents between tenancies.

“Renters are already struggling with rising food, transport and energy costs,” he continued. “With eviction notices now at record highs, how are working people going to be able to afford these rents? They will either face increased financial hardship or be forced to move back in with their parents, to emigrate or, worse still, be forced into homelessness."

Broin condemned the government for "knowingly and willingly" pushing rental inflation, stating "Sinn Féin warned the government that this would happen. We urged the government not to do this." He also stated that the government did this on the "false premise" that it would increase supply over time and bring rents down, stating "It will do neither of these things".

“The solution to the housing crisis is not to be found in punishing renters for a decade of failed Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy. It will not be found in lining the pockets of big investors and developers to build smaller, darker and more expensive apartments. The solution to the housing crisis is for the government to change policy in order to increase and accelerate the delivery of social, genuinely affordable and private for purchase homes.”

He highlighted the market rent increases, noting jumps of 18% in Galway City, 13% in Cork, 9% in Limerick, and 7% in both Dublin and Waterford.

Housing Minister James Browne defended the government's approach, arguing that imposing a ban on both no-fault evictions and rent increases would discourage landlords from entering the market and prompt others to exit the sector entirely.

The Fianna Fáil TD contended that the opposition's commentary overlooks the efforts made so far, citing improvements in social and affordable housing. Browne also highlighted that the government has implemented new levels of protection against homelessness.