Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2025
203. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department’s plans to seek advice from the Housing Minister on whether additional service charges and rent hikes at PBSA (details supplied) conflict with the 2% rent pressure zones commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50670/25]
View answerI have recently been made aware of the increase in monthly payments for on-campus student accommodation at Dublin City University, and I am deeply concerned by this development.
It should be emphasised that Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. As an autonomous institution, universities are academically independent and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes including decisions and other aspects, including student accommodation. Notwithstanding this, I have formally written to DCU regarding the increases in accommodation related fees.
I can confirm that officials from my Department will be meeting with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the coming weeks to discuss this matter.
Student-specific accommodation, including publicly owned student accommodation, falls under the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which offers a confidential dispute resolution service. The RTB has the authority to investigate breaches of rental law, including improper conduct such as unlawful rent increases in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). Where breaches are identified, landlords may face sanctions of up to €15,000, in addition to associated costs. Investigations can be initiated based on information provided by members of the public.
If a student believes that rent or additional fees are being used to circumvent RPZ regulations, they are entitled to bring a case to the RTB or report the matter for investigation. I strongly encourage any student, or parent of a student, who has concerns about their accommodation fees to contact the RTB for guidance or to lodge a formal complaint.
In relation to UCD, I have sought clarification on the matter of utility charges and UCD has confirmed that the University has accounted for and advertised utility and rent charges separately for many years now.
