Students in Galway face huge rent hikes

Some students who have been living in rented accommodation in Galway City for the summer are facing huge hikes in rent from next month – in some cases double.

And the overall shortage of rental accommodation and quality properties offered for sale is being blamed for spiralling rents during the academic year.

The Galway City Tribune has learned of a number of instances where student tenants will have their rents hiked at the end of this month.

In one case, tenants have been paying €750 per month for a four-bed house during the summer – this will rise to €1,550 per month for the academic year.

A group of students renting another house in the west of the city have been paying €750 per month, which will increase to €1,250 at the end of this month.

A house in the city centre which has been renting during the summer for €1,100 per month will increase to €1,650 for the college year.

And with Leaving Cert results out next week, the annual influx of house-hunting students will further increase competition amongst renters.

Declan Higgins, President of NUI Galway Students’ Union told the Galway City Tribune: “This practice [hiking rents for the academic year] is not anything unusual.

“There is a lot of pressure on people at the moment looking for accommodation, rents are continuing to go up, and we’re only now getting a flavour of what they’ll be like for the coming academic year. Some people are finding it particularly difficult,” said Mr Higgins.

He added that students are competing with young professionals working in the city and others who have chosen not to buy a home because of a shortage of homes for sale.

“That’s the root of it. Students are competing with young professionals, and people working in factories, and people who may be looking to buy but cannot find anywhere,” said Mr Higgins.

He advised students who are looking for accommodation to consult the Accommodation Office at NUIG.

“The three main things to remember are to bring someone with you that knows a bit about DIY when you go to view accommodation. They can spot potential problems, because once you’ve moved in it can be very difficult to rectify problems. Get a copy of the lease, and get rent receipts,” he said.