Restrictions on 51-week leases to provide relief to students

Student accommodation providers will no longer be allowed to enforce minimum 51-week leases following the passage of emergency legislation, Minister of State and Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has said.

Minister Dillon welcomed the new measures in the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, which protects students and their parents from being forced to sign leases covering the summer period when accommodation is not needed.

The Mayo Minister described Student Specific Accommodation (SSA) providers who only provided 51-week occupancy leases as ‘unacceptable practice’. He continued to explain that the issue was ‘putting severe financial pressure on students and parents to pay for leases beyond the college year’.

“The legislation addresses this issue by ensuring leases are based on a 41-week academic year, safeguarding students’ rental options," said Minister Dillon.

"While a 51-week lease may suit some third-level students, it is neither desirable nor affordable for the vast majority. An opt-in provision will remain for those who require accommodation over the summer months,” he added.

Further safeguards in the legislation will only allow SSA providers to charge up to one month’s rent in advance, in line with other rental tenancies. This will eliminate the demand for significant upfront payments, which has been an undue burden on students and parents.

Minister Dillon said while the Government has acted ‘swiftly’ on the issue, some students may have already signed 51-week leases. 

“I am calling on SSA providers who have engaged in this practice to offer new leases in line with the provisions of this new legislation.

"I will continue to work with my Government colleagues, Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Darragh O’Brien, to ensure student renters' rights are protected and that we continue to break down the barriers to third-level education," he concluded.