At-risk teens competing in rental market with professionals, homeless group warns

A homeless charity is calling for a transitional accommodation system for young people leaving state care.

Don Bosco Care says vulnerable teens are being forced to compete in the rental market with young professionals.

The group welcomes government efforts to help families facing homelessness but says nothing has changed for young people.

CEO Brian Hogan said new rules for landlords have also exacerbated the problem.

"New regulations came out from Dublin City Council - regulations, again, that in their own right are laudable, but the net effect of the regulations have outlawed the old bedsit-type accommodation," he said.

"And in many cases, that was the only kind of accommodation that young people leaving care could afford."