Change tax treatment of landlords if we are to increase rental supply

It is generally accepted that we have a housing crisis, and insufficient social housing is forcing people into the private rental market.

We are adamant that this is putting the private rental market under pressure and tenants are suffering. Rents are rising because the cost of providing rental accommodation is rising.

Just 30% of landlords own their properties outright. Renters would be shocked to note that approximately 62% of the rent they are paying is going straight back to the Government in the form of income tax, USC, PRSI and Local Property Tax. Around 15% goes on the normal rental business expenses, with the balance going to the landlord.