Rising rents leading to homelessness

RISING rents in private accommodation without a rise in State assistance are making more people homeless, according to Focus Ireland.

Although a report on private rented accommodation three years ago recommended laws to protect tenants, no such action has been taken by the Government.

Health boards were recently told to cap the amount of rent allowance payable to single people who need assistance meeting landlords' charges.

More than 50,000 low-income households are in receipt of such financial support, funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

A Focus Ireland spokesperson said: "The rising cost of rent is putting even the cheapest rental properties beyond the means of many, resulting in increased homelessness. A Labour councillor suggested the Government should put a legal cap on rents, rather than on allowances, if they want to limit increases.

"Not only have they failed to cap rents, they have also failed to introduce legislation to protect tenants, which was recommended by the Commission on the Private Rented Sector," said Cllr Michael O'Connell.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Coughlan has said the regulations on rent allowance are a measure to limit rent increases.