Speaking on Sinn Féin’s Secure Rent Bill, Sinn Féin Deputy Dessie Ellis spoke about how many families and people were under pressure and on the verge of homelessness due to the lack of affordable rent and security of tenure.
The Dublin North West TD said:
“I have couples and families coming into my office in Dublin North West that are working, that are in good jobs and they cannot afford to keep up with rent increases at the moment they are paying up to 60% of their disposable income on rent and are now in danger of becoming homeless.
“These families are in need of immediate action, not rhetoric from Government. This Bill will do three things for renters. It will provide for rent certainty. It also provides both tenants and landlords with the option of securing longer term leases, providing greater certainty for both parties. Finally, it will remove sale of property as grounds for a landlord to terminate a lease.
“It is unacceptable that the Government and their partners in Fianna Fáil would vote down these proposals that would mean so much to families struggling in the face of these rents.”