Students call for homeowners to rent out their pads

THE Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has called for homeowners to consider taking students as lodgers.

The union has launched a major push and information drive to encourage homeowners in Dublin to consider housing a student during term-time.

With CAO offers and the subsequent start of the academic year just a few short weeks away, they say the call out is necessary as the student population in Dublin faces a serious shortage of accommodation.

Speaking ahead of the first information drive in Dublin city centre, USI President Laura Harmon said: “This is an access-to-education issue. The cost of accommodation in and around Dublin has risen enormously, pricing many students out of the accommodation market.

“Many buy-to-renters have repurposed accommodation they had previously made available to students for wealthier renters.

To compound this, the value of the student grant has fallen against inflation over a number of years. The end result will be students unhoused and dropping out.

“USI is calling for the government to form a task force on student accommodation – there needs to be a specific strategy on this serious and growing problem.

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As a short-term measure to support the initiative, the Union of Students in Ireland has put together a simple website, allowing home owners to list their spare rooms and their conditions, with the objective of providing students with contacts for those willing to help.

The system also allows for landlords and agents to place their available accommodation online – and it’s free to use.

The website is available online at www.homes.usi.ie