Renters in Dublin are being offered the chance to live in ‘pods’ at a cost of €130 a week.
The online listing describes the pods as “secure, safe and self-contained” and “ideal” for medium-term stays of 6-12 months.
Each room in the three-bedroom house is said to have up to four pods with a shared bathroom.
The exact location is not given, but the Gumtree listing advertises the house as being a 12-minute walk from the Spire on O'Connell St.
Threshold CEO John-Mark McCafferty said it is a worrying concept.
“So called pod living could be seen as a means by which landlords can circumvent the rent pressure zone and rent regulations,” he said.
“There is the whole question as to whether or not they are intended to be licensees rather than tenants regulated by the Residential Tenancies Board.”
The ad also claims the accommodation has a "kitchen and chill out area/sitting room.”
Apparently targeted at students, it notes that there is a “zero noise policy after 9pm” and that many of those who stay there “are here to study and expect a good night's sleep.”
Lorna Fitzpatrick, the President of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), said it is sad to see the situation come to this.
“It is an absolute disgrace to be quite honest with you,” she said.
“They are glorified bunk-beds being described as pods and at €130 per week, it is really just taking advantage.”
Two of the images included with the ad appear to be of pods located in a capsule hotel in Hong Kong.
Pod Living Dublin describes itself as ideal accommodation for medium term stays.
But this woman says it’s a disgrace.
“Has it really come to this?” she asked.
“They need to sort out the housing crisis. That is what needs to happen. No pod living.
Pod Living Dublin has yet to respond to Newstalk’s request for comment.
With reporting from Josh Crosbie.
