Young people in Kildare to be hit hardest by government rent hike measures

Sinn Féin Area Representative for Newbridge, James Stokes, has said that young people in their 20s and 30s across Kildare will be the hardest hit by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s new rent hike measures which has come into effect on March 1. 

Stokes said the changes now allow landlords to reset rents to full market price whenever a tenancy ends, meaning the rents can increase dramatically overnight for the next tenant.

“This directly impacts our young people who are moving out of home, starting college or an apprenticeship, changing jobs, or renting for the first time.” Stokes said.

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“A new tenancy will now mean a higher rent, and for many young workers that could mean thousands of euro more every year in the midst of a cost of living crisis.” 

He said students, apprentices, hospitality workers, retail staff, tradespeople and young professionals are already under enormous pressure due to record rents and rising living costs.

“In places like Newbridge and across Kildare, rental homes are already limited, competition is intense and are mostly unaffordable. Too many young people are being left with only two choices, they can either stay at home or leave Ireland.”

Stokes criticised the government for pursuing policies that he says make it “easier to emigrate than to build a future here at home.”

“Young people deserve the chance to live, work and plan their future at home in Kildare and across Ireland, not be forced abroad because affordable housing is out of reach.” he said.

He said it doesn’t need to be this way.

“We need to stop unfair rent resets, build affordable homes at scale, protect renters moving into new tenancies and secure housing for workers, students and apprentices.

“Young people deserve a future here, and that future must include a government that is actually working in their interests.”