'You need luck on your side to find any accommodation because so many are looking'

Maria Ovchinnikova tells Sarah Horgan of the unrealistic regulations imposed by some landlords and of the shocking condition of some properties she has seen advertised.

Maria Ovchinnikova is currently sharing with a housemate in Cork City and says that renting independently would be too costly.

For Maria Ovchinnikova, living at home with her family is not an option.

The 26-year-old from Russia, who grew up in Cork, lost her both of her parents at a young age. She is currently making the most of a house share but is unsure if she can see a future for herself in Ireland. 

Maria is paying €625 per month for a room and says she often wonders if she will ever be able to enjoy the luxury of her own space. She explained the current challenges of trying to rent in Cork.

“It's fine if you can move in with family, but some people don't have that privilege,” she said. 

I lost both my parents and the rest of my family live in Russia. It means I don't have the privilege of moving in with family if I have to leave my accommodation for any reason. This is extra stress that a lot of people unfortunately have. 

"It's possible to sign up for council housing but you would be waiting a decade at least to receive any kind of accommodation.” 

She said in addition to the cost, and the shortage of rental options, tenants often face unrealistic regulations imposed by landlords.

“Landlords have all sorts of rules and policies in the lease, which is fair, but sometimes it becomes a joke. 

"I was viewing a house a few years ago with two guys. We were told that we weren't allowed any visitors even though we wouldn't have even been living with the landlord. It's tiring being made to feel like a guest within your own home. 

Maria Ovchinnikova: 'I don't have a problem with someone wanting to make some money off a property they own, but so many landlords see renting properties as an investment and not an opportunity to give people basic shelter.'

"Realistically, you need luck on your side to find any accommodation because so many people are looking and so many places are so dear. I found my current room by sheer luck because a girl reached out to me on Facebook after I posted in several groups. This was after two months of searching.” 

Maria said she was shocked by the condition of some of the properties she had seen advertised.

“I don't have a problem with someone wanting to make some money off a property they own, but so many landlords see renting properties as an investment and not an opportunity to give people basic shelter. 

Prices are sky high and some landlords do the bare minimum to keep their properties in check and liveable. Some want to cram as many people into a dilapidated ruin and squeeze as much money out of them while treating them like second-class citizens. 

"I still remember seeing a property online for students located in the countryside. The landlord said it could fit eight adults, and the bedrooms had bunk beds in them. It was nothing short of a hostel. The rent was €400 per person with bills not included. 

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"There are rent pressure zones, but there should be more laws and regulations put in for the prices, conditions, and policies of rentals. More housing should be in the hands of the State too and not privatised. 

"Ultimately, shelter is a basic human need. It shouldn't be treated as a business.”