Galway landlords refusing to rent to first-year students

An increasing number of private landlords in Galway City are refusing to accept first year students as tenants, because of fears over antisocial behaviour.

It’s leading to a serious shortage of rental accommodation in the city, as the new college year is set to get underway.

Meanwhile, the Students’ Union at NUI Galway has warned students that searching for accommodation early is extremely important.

The advice from SU President Sean Kearns comes as property website Daft.ie published a report showing rents have increased by 2.7% on the same time last year.

“There have been accommodation shortages in Galway in the last few years, and that is going to be the same this year, even more so because a lot of landlords don’t want to take in first year students.

“Couples and young people who would traditionally have bought or built their own home are now renting, which is taking homes from students,” said Mr Kearns.

The average monthly rent in private accommodation in the city now stands at €792 – that’s down by up to €170 per month from the peak six years ago.

But a breakdown of the figures for a standard double room – which costs an average of €338 per month in the city centre – show it will cost significantly more (up to €800) here than the likes of Letterkenny, Castlebar, Sligo, Athlone and Waterford.

Those renting a single room in Galway city centre can expect to pay around €281 a month; while monthly rents for apartments and houses average at €656 for a one-bed; €802 for a two-bed; €1,082 for a three-bed; €1,303 for a four-bed and €1,508 for a five-bed. 

For more on this story, see this week’s Connacht Sentinel