Rent boycott threatened over hikes

THE Government has been attacked in the Dáil and Seanad for not legislating against upward-only rent reviews following a revolt by traders in a Cork shopping centre.

Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer and Labour TD Ciarán Lynch raised the issue as retailers across the country threatened to withhold rent to try to force landlords into talks about rent reductions.

Mr Buttimer said legislation must be introduced immediately to address the issue. “The practice of upward-only rent reviews is threatening jobs. We need action from the Government to tackle what is in effect an anti-competitive practice. It will drive people, mostly sole traders and small business people, out of business.”