10 signatures reached
To: Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government
Ban Letting Agent Fees and Cap Deposits for Renters
We demand:
• A ban on letting agents charging fees to tenants such as non-refundable “booking” or “administration” fees;
• A ban on any type of “viewing fee” for viewing a property;
• Apart from rent, the only upfront charge that should be permitted is the deposit, which should be legally capped at a maximum of one month’s rent.
Why is this important?
Rents in Ireland are at an all-time high, with the national average standing at €1,334 a month. Yet even these staggering figures don’t tell the whole story, because many tenants are being charged additional upfront fees by letting agents and extortionate deposits equal to two or three times the monthly rent. This is a brutal and exploitative way of screening renters with the result that low-income workers and social welfare recipients are effectively locked out of the market.
Scotland successfully banned letting agent fees in 2012 and England and Wales are set to do the same early next year, and also introduce a cap on deposits. The Dublin Tenants’ Association is demanding the same from our Government. Sign the petition to show your support!