Sinn Féin tables bill to ban no-fault evictions, cap rents

Sinn Féin has taken a decisive step to address the deepening rental crisis by tabling a Private Members' Bill aimed at banning no-fault evictions and capping rent increases for three years. This move by our housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, directly confronts the government's inadequate response to the housing emergency.

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Rent increases cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely

For too long, tenants have been subjected to a 'cocktail of changes' in rental rules, poorly conceived and implemented, which have predictably pushed landlords out of the market. The consequences are stark: a steady rise in evictions over the last three quarters, leaving families desperate to find new homes. Those who do find alternative accommodation face exorbitant rent hikes, paying thousands more each year, while many others are left with no options but to return to their parents' homes, leave the country, or enter emergency accommodation.

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the greatest changes to rental rules in a decade, and not in a good way

The government's defense, represented by Minister of State John Cummins, rings hollow. While they tout 'continued resilience' and rising home completions, this does little to alleviate the immediate suffering of renters. Their focus on increasing supply, though important long-term, ignores the urgent need for immediate protections. The claim that 'progress is being made' is a bitter pill to swallow for those facing eviction and crippling rent increases. Sinn Féin's bill offers a tangible solution, a necessary intervention to protect tenants from further exploitation and instability.

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incredibly confusing and poorly thought through