ACCOMMODATION

‘LEVEL UP’ TO THIRD LEVEL

On this page you will find:

  • how to find student accommodation in colleges and higher education institutions

  • different types of student accommodation

  • Digs / rent a room scheme information

  • how to avoid scams

  • Your rights as a student tenant

Looking for student accommodation?

Not sure where to start your search? You’re best off seeing what options the institution you plan on attending are recommending. It is best to start your accommodation search early, particularly if you are planning on going to a third level institution in a large city or town.

Pro Tip: No accommodation provider can make you pay for an entire semester or year of accommodation up front. You have the right to pay month as outlined in the Rental Tenancies Act (2021)

Accommodation links by institution

Click on the institutions below to view accommodation that is available: these include private accommodation, digs and you can set alerts for new accommodation available.

Tips:

-Always view a property in person to avoid scams.

-Check what facilities your accommodation has: is there a desk? Is there a laundry room or do you have your own washer? Do you need to bring your cutlery or is it provided? Always check with the provider, never assume anything as each accommodation and/or area tend to have their own practices.

-Check what amenities are near by: can you get to class via public transport/walking, is there bike parking? Check where the nearest supermarket is. Knowing these in advance will help you avoid unwanted surprises.

-Ensure you have a rent book to keep track of rental payments and look for a lease agreement

-Check if your rental agreement is for 9 months, 12 months or longer. You are liable for the length of the lease and will not get your deposit back if you leave after 9 months of your 12 month lease.

What are the different types of acommodation?

On campus accommodatioN

On campus accommodation is purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) they are owed and run by a higher education institution. These are on or very near the campus. Places are generally allocated on lottery system a few months in advance of CAO offers. Spaces may become available as students take other offers or drop out. You contact the accommodation provider directly, through the accommodation or through the local Students’ Union.

private accommodation complexes

These are complexes which are owed by private companies or individuals. They generally cost between €125-€325 per week.

Digs (rent a room scheme) find out more on issu.ie/digs

Digs is when you rent a room in someone’s house. There are different types of digs available such as:

  • 5 day renting from Monday-Friday

  • 7 day renting Sunday-Sunday

  • Meals provided or not

Digs or the ‘rent a room scheme’ are not protected by legislation or the Rental Tenancies Act and you do not have the rights of a normal renter. It is important to put an agreement in place between the tenant and the landlord.

Things to consider in your written agreement:

  • Notice period for leaving

  • Practicalities such as access to facilities

  • Length of tenancy

If you know someone who has a room they could rent to a student, they can earn up to €14,000 tax free via the rent a room scheme.

 

Student housing / shared accommodation

Many students will locate rooms or houses through websites such as daft.ie, rent.ie or through the institution’s or Students’ Union website. These are not built with the purpose of housing students and generally rented by private landlords, letting agents or through subletting.

SCAMS: WHat to look out for and how to keep safe

As there is a shortage of student accommodation, many scams have appeared to trick students out of their money. Here is how to avoid scams:

What should students look out for?

RED FLAGS

🚩Not being able to view the property or meet the landlord in person

🚩The pictures and price are top to be true

🚩The landlord insists they are out of the country and cannot meet in person and pushes for the rent to be just given over

🚩Landlord contact is only through social media

🚩Rental period seems too flexible or offering a discount for booking in right away

🚩The security deposit is more or less than one month's rent

 

How to avoid being scammed?

-Check out the average rent price for the area

-Make sure your view the property in person and meet the landlord before paying the deposit

-Use online maps to the property is real and the exterior matches the photos

-Make sure you get a receipt for your deposit and/or rent paid. If possible pay directly through bank account rather than cash

-You can buy a rent book from the Rental Tenancies Board at RTB.ie

-If you are offered a room and aren’t sure about the legitimacy of the rental agreement contact the RTB, the college accommodation office or the Students Union in the relevant institution

YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT

(these rights do not apply to those in digs)

🏠 You are entitled to a lease agreement, a rent book and receipts of payment

🏠 Once your rent is set, your landlord cannot increase it for another year or until the end of your lease.

🏠 You are entitled to contact your landlord and have the appropriate contact info (phone, email, address)

🏠 All properties and tenants must be registered with the RTB

🏠 You are entitled to have visitors to stay overnight or for short periods, unless specifically forbidden in your tenancy agreement.

🏠 No accommodation provider can make you pay for an entire semester or year of accommodation up front. You have the right to pay month as outlined in the Rental Tenancies Act (2021)

Experts and authorities who can provide help and more information:

how can you help the accommodation crisis?

We urge all concerned ISSU members, parents, students, families, educators to call upon their local representatives to fund purpose built, affordable student accommodation.

Your can contact your local TD on firstname.surname@oir.ie and your local councillor by going to your local authority website.