Minister for Housing and Local Services Michael Finneran this morning unveiled the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Rent Book, a student's guide to the rental market.
An annual publication, the rent book includes information on the obligations and rights of tenants, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and safety and standards in rented accommodation.
Launching the book in Trinity College, Mr Finneran said it dealt with a wide range of tenant and landlord issues in a clear and comprehensive way.
USI president Peter Mannion said it was “massively important” that students who rent pick up a copy.
“It’s a one-stop-shop for renting students, we often have students having problems with accommodation and this can help them understand what their landlords can and can’t do and what they’re obliged to do”, he said.
Mr Finneran also complimented the USI for highlighting and communicating important fire safety issues to students, especially those living away from home for the first time. He emphasised the importance to these students of keeping a smoke alarm with a fully-powered battery.
Both Mr Mannion and Mr Finneran agreed that there had been improvements in the rental market in recent years.
“Standards are improving, choice has increased and we have a stable regulatory framework," Mr Finneran said. "When one considers that rents are also falling, it must be said that this is a good time to be a tenant in the private rented sector.”