A woman from Buncrana, County Donegal, has reported that the mica crisis is adversely impacting individuals reliant on leasing private residences, and she has proposed the establishment of rent control measures. Jade Houten, who has resided in a three-bedroom rented dwelling in the town with her two sons for over nine years, has received a notice of a 90-day rent increase from her landlord. Her current weekly rent of €120 is slated to spike up to €280, which equates to a growth from €480 up to €1,120 on a monthly basis.
Affordable alternative housing is proving elusive for Houten, and the future living situation for her family remains uncertain. Despite attempts to apply for social housing, her income surpassed the threshold. Her search for available housing has been fruitless and the situation has become increasingly challenging.
As a reaction to the mica crisis, the Government is subsidising repair costs for residences, even offering a €15,000 grant for occupants to rent different housing during renovation. Information regarding these grants was included in Ms Houten’s formal Rent Review Notice, notifying her of her impending rent augmentation. The form highlighted the considerable shortage of long-term housing in the Inishowen region, which has intensified the rental market and will continue to push rent prices upwards.
The notice also mentions that the mica compensation scheme was providing homeowners in the area with €15,000 to assist them in obtaining temporary housing. Ms Houten acknowledged the potential rise in her rent due to its prior low rate, however, the proposed dramatic increase was unexpected.
The current mica scheme grants being offered by the government necessitate the implementation of rent pressure zones to prevent existing homeowners from being displaced, according to a statement. Rent pressure zones are defined regions in which rent increase for both new and existing leases are regulated. Initially, these zones were established in Cork city and some Dublin areas in 2016, with subsequent inclusions such as Shannon local electoral area and Westmeath County Council’s administrative area, both of which were declared rent pressure zones in November 2023.
Ms Houten, an HSE clerical officer, is contesting a proposed rent hike on her residence with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). She contends that the three properties mentioned in the notice she received as comparisons, are located in Letterkenny, a non-comparable location, rendering the notice void. Nonetheless, she predicts that regardless of her challenge’s outcome, her rent will eventually surge to an unaffordable level, forcing her to relocate.
According to Fionán Bradley, a local Fianna Fáil councillor, Buncrana is in the throes of an accommodation emergency, with the mica crisis being a contributing factor. He claims that there is a dearth of available rental properties, and the rents for those available are steep. He further explains that the mica crisis has created a highly challenging situation.
He stated that while there are short-term solutions, the real solution is to construct more houses in the area, both by the council and privately. While a council housing project is expected to be complete by the end of this year, a new project is also set to commence. A commentary request sent to the Donegal County Council received no response.