New renters pay more than existing ones in County Sligo according to new report

That’s according to Sligo/Leitrim TD Martin Kenny in wake of the publication of RTB Q4 2023 Rent Report showing new renters in Sligo are paying 36% more than existing tenants, the most pronounced gap nationally.

Deputy Kenny said, “The latest RTB rent report shows a private rental sector continuing to spiral out of control. New renters in Sligo are paying up to €300 more than existing renters in the county.

“There has also been a year on year increase of 18% in average new rents in Sligo year, with an increase of 14% in Leitrim.

“For renters, this means rents continue to spiral, while supply continues to contract.

“How are regular working people across the northwest expected to afford these rents? How are they to save for a deposit to buy a home?

“Month on month, year on year, rents continue to rise for new and existing tenants and inside and outside rent pressure zones.

“It is clear that the government has no plan for a private rental sector spiralling out of control. Their renters tax credit is simply not enough. We need an emergency ban on rent increases for three years and a full month's rent back in every private renter's pocket.

“Most importantly, we need government to dramatically increase investment in and delivery of genuinely affordable homes to rent and buy.

“Last year, just 100,000 affordable homes were delivered by government and many of these were too expensive for most working people.

“Only a change of government, with Eoin Ó Broin as Housing Minister, will truly address the housing crisis. Voting for Sinn Féin on June 7th in the local and European elections is the first step to getting this disastrous government out of office, and undoing decades of disastrous Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy. Renters deserve better,” he said.