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The report cites particular concerns over digs-style accommodation. Alamy Stock Photo

'Notable increase' in the proportion of students paying more than €750 a month in rent - report

The University College Dublin Students’ Union has called on the Government to carry out their “duty of care” to students.

THERE HAS BEEN a ‘notable increase’ in the proportion of students who are paying €750 or more per month for accommodation during their time in college, according to a survey by students in University College Dublin.

In total, more than three-quarters of students in who do not live at home or own their own home are paying over €750 per month in rent, according to the report by the UCD’s Students’ Union.

In both 2021 and 2022, around two-thirds of students were paying those rates. The Union has said that these increases are preventing students from having a holistic college experience.

Miranda Bauer, president of the Students’ Union, has highlighted the issue after presenting it as the main finding from the Accommodation Report. She has called on Government and education institutions to carry out their “duty of care” to students.

The Students’ Union have claimed that the stark differences in cost is evidence that “no meaningful improvement” has been made by Government to the student accommodation landscape.

Lack of student accommodation has been a long-standing factor during the housing crisis, particularly at the start of each academic year. Student representative bodies have been sounding the alarm over the lack of accommodation for almost four years.

Government has taken some measures to improve the situation, such as banning 51-week leases and extending the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board in certain arrangements. It has also allocated funding for over 2,700 more beds.

However, the report highlights that there is still a lack of regulation around digs-style accommodation, particularly when ensuring  that the rights of tenants are protected.

Digs-style accomodation was the third-most common type of housing, after excluding those who still live at home, according to respondents.

The majority respondents said they found the process of finding accommodation in Dublin “difficult” and very few found it straightforward. The students also cited difficulties to keep up with the associated costs with renting.

The Students’ Union has said that these findings point to the need for a reassessment of the existing housing supports available to students. Later, their report details that some of their findings have impacted their wellbeing and education of students as well.

Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for higher education, has backed the students’ call and asked that Government expedite her proposal to ensure the rights of tenants in digs-style housing are protected.

Other findings in the report include that the majority of UCD students have encountered fraudulent adverts for housing during their search for accommodation. A minority of respondents said they had fallen victim of a scam.

Earlier today, gardaí issued a warning to students over rental scams after the force found that one third of all accommodation fraud reports take place during August and September each year.

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    Mute Jimmy Murphy
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    Jan 12th 2016, 12:57 PM

    So many drivers out there don’t even notice pedestrians/cyclists, what hope do otters have?

    98
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    Mute Fear Uisce
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:23 PM

    So many pedestrians/cyclists out there don’t even notice drivers, what hope spotters have?

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    Mute tax slave
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    Jan 12th 2016, 12:33 PM

    that’s otter rubbish. otters can’t read

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    Mute Pat Forster
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:40 PM

    Yes, I had a good laugh at the funny comments. I also feel sad that this article can’t be seen in a more positive light in that someone is trying to help the wildlife in this beautiful country, which should be cared for and cherished. Once it’s gone it will be very difficult to get back and future generations who might have woken up and realised what a precious asset we have and who mourn it’s loss will be wondering why we stood by and did nothing or, worse, made light of the efforts to preserve it!

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    Mute Pat Gorman
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:11 PM

    The most comical signs on the motorway from Dublin to Cork are the “Deer Jumping” signs.
    At 70+ MPH you ” ain’t gonna” avoid a deer who jumps in front of your car.
    Both you and the deer are RIP.

    31
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    Mute Al Ca
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:40 PM

    Six hedgehogs were killed on the same stretch of road while holding a ‘white line’ protest about signage for otters being bumped up the waiting list by what they called ‘snobby otter advocacy groups’.

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    Mute Joanna
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:00 PM

    Drivers otter be careful from now on.

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    Mute Patrick McGarry
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    Jan 12th 2016, 6:54 PM

    Fair play to Kildare co co. and the people of Kilcock for having the foresight to see the real reason for these signs, lets hope more local authorities follow suit.

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    Mute David O Donovan
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:31 PM

    They should have signs for Beavers..I’ve seen a lot of Beavers in Kildare..

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    Mute Neil Holland
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    Jan 12th 2016, 12:32 PM

    How do you “score” a sign?

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    Mute Laura-Anne
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    Jan 12th 2016, 12:40 PM

    Painfully. And with lubricant.

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    Mute Rory McGuirk
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    Jan 12th 2016, 12:44 PM

    I see you’ve been down this road before Laura!

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    Mute THE BIG LAD
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    Jan 12th 2016, 12:41 PM

    I thought it was one of Enda Kenny’s election posters!!

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    Mute Steve Mac
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:07 PM

    That would just have a giant turd on it

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    Mute Permo Dermo
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    Jan 12th 2016, 2:39 PM

    Or a wheezy rat

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    Mute Tara Connolly
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    Jan 12th 2016, 4:48 PM

    Spencer, you made the news!!!

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    Mute Niamh Nic Conmhaoil
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    Jan 12th 2016, 1:12 PM

    Yeah

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    Mute Range Rover P38
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    Jan 12th 2016, 4:01 PM

    watch out anyone taking the DTT it WILL be there.

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