Don’t demonise landlords as homelessness is a wider problem

The homeless crisis is truly an outrage

In a ‘first’ world economy and a republic, where we seek to cherish each individual, it seems outlandish. However, to simplify the issue down to greedy landlords seeking disproportionate rent increases is trite. Many landlords are ordinary citizens trying to invest in their futures and most are paying almost 60% of rent in various taxes and charges to the Government. Rent is income and thus taxable.

Many young people renting would love to buy and own their own home. Blaming them for sins of the past with 20% deposits necessary for securing their own homes is shortsighted and frankly unfair. The Government should have a housing strategy. People should be encouraged to buy and own their own homes and also landlords incentivised and not penalised for providing quality accommodation for those that need it.