Pearse Doherty TD
DONEGAL TD Pearse Doherty has expressed his deep disappointment that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have voted against Sinn Féin’s Rent Certainty Bill.
The legislation, which was tabled by the party to provide greater protection to tenants, would have saved the average renter up to €1,000 per year based on average increases through the linking of rent prices to the Consumer Price Index.
Deputy Doherty said: “The Rent Certainty Bill 2016 tabled by Sinn Féin would have provided renters with greater protection against unfair rent hikes as it would have linked rent reviews to the consumer price index.
“This would have provided much needed stability in the private rental market, for both landlords and tenants. Families facing rent reviews in the coming months could see their rent jump by 10 to 20 per cent and these families need real solutions now.
“I am deeply disappointed that Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil TDs, including both parties’ TDs here in our own county, have voted against this legislation today in the Dáil.
“The bill would have saved the average renter up to €1,000 each year based on average increases.
“While it is not surprising that Fine Gael is opposed to rent certainty, Fianna Fáil’s opposition to our Bill is hard to understand and deeply disappointing, particularly as the party had included rent certainty measures in its own policy documents produced last year.
“I am disappointed that this Bill will not go to the next stage however, Sinn Féin will continue to pursue fair rents and security of tenure for renters struggling with rising costs across the state, including those renting here in Donegal.”
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