Proposal to allow more rent hikes for student accommodation to attract developers to sector

Higher Education and Housing are at odds over how often student accommodation rents can return to market rates under RPZ rules

A source said higher education minister James Lawless 'is trying to get student accommodation built in the most cost-effective way for the State, balancing affordability and viability'. Stock picture: Larry Cummins

The Department of Higher Education wants to allow private accommodation providers to hike rents for students more often to attract more developers into the sector.

The Department is at odds with the Department of Housing on how to address Rent Pressure Zones for student accommodation.