The Labour Party has called for a three year rent freeze as the cost of housing continues to spiral. 

The latest RTB figures revealed there was an 8.1% increase in rents for new tenancies in the first 3 months of this year - compared to 5.9% rise for existing tenants.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said tenants need greater protection in law. 

“We in Labour have brought forward a Renters’ Rights Bill,” she said. 

“Indeed, we produced it now three-years ago - which would have offered a constructive solution to the ongoing crisis; providing for a three year rent freeze and tackling both no fault evictions and, indeed, providing greater security of tenure. 

“What we want to do is put the protection of renters at the core of the housing policy programme.” 

In July, there were 14,429 people living in emergency accommodation and Deputy Bacik said the spiralling cost of rent was partly to blame. 

“What that tells us is that new tenants in particular, those entering into new rental contracts are facing really stark, escalating costs,” she said. 

“That’s really exacerbated the homelessness crisis because so many people are simply unable to find an affordable place to rent.” 

The Government promised to revise its housing targets this autumn following a leak from the Housing Commission that said the State needs to nearly double the number of homes built every year.

Main image: Ivana Bacik. Picture by: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Reporting by James Wilson and Cliona O'Dwyer.