Cabinet solution on rents sparks concern

Government plans to solve Ireland’s rental crisis could see landlords hike rents immediately, will not prevent future rises, and risks marking the return of low-quality bedsits to the market.

The claims were made by the opposition, independent expert groups, and charities despite Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Environment Minister Alan Kelly insisting the finally agreed policy will bring long-overdue certainty to hard-pressed households at risk of homelessness.

Under plans agreed after months of bitter internal rows between the parties and welcomed by some charities, landlords are set to be told they can only increase rents every two years — double the current time-frame.