Rent Hike Fears For Students As Lawless’s Department Weighs Change Sought By Private Operators

Sunday, 7 December 2025 10:17

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Senator Laura Harmon says Further and Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless must protect students from rent hikes.

The Department of Higher Education has proposed private providers should be allowed increase rent for students.

The next reset of market rents is not allowed until 2029, but the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation Council of Ireland says an earlier reset is needed to attract private developers into the sector.

It is understood that a source close to the Higher Education Minister James Lawless denied such a change would hike rents, and instead will address the shortage of beds for students.

Daniel Walsh, Vice-President for the Dublin-region at student group AMLÉ, says college-goers are struggling to afford basic groceries due to high private rents.

While Senator Laura Harmon says Further and Higher Education Minister and Kildare North TD James Lawless must protect students from rent hikes.

She said students are already spending "extortionate" amounts.

Speaking to Kfm News, Deputy Lawless said the student accommodation strategy is still being developed but is now at an "advanced" stage.

He said its aim is twofold: to ensure new purpose-built student beds that already have planning permission are financially viable and delivered, while also addressing affordability, so students can access accommodation at rents "they can manage".