Renters under pressure as rents rise and evictions increase, say Mayo TDs

Renters in Co. Mayo are facing mounting pressure as rents continue to rise sharply and eviction notices increase, according to local political representatives responding to new housing data.

Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, said the latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) show that average rents for new tenancies in the county have reached €1,210, marking a 9.7% increase year-on-year. Existing tenants are also seeing higher costs, with average rents now at €995, up 7.3% compared to the previous year.

She warned that the increases are placing significant strain on working families and individuals.

“Renters in Mayo are being squeezed harder than ever,” she said. “These are significant increases that many simply cannot afford.”

Deputy Conway-Walsh said the rising rents are coinciding with a sharp increase in eviction notices nationwide, which she claims is exacerbating the housing crisis.

“This comes at a time when thousands of renters across the state are facing eviction following a surge in notices issued at the end of last year – up 41%,” she said.

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She pointed out that many tenants forced out of their homes are now re-entering the rental market under current rules, only to face even higher rents.

“For renters in Mayo, this means being priced out of their communities, forced to move further away from work, family and support networks – or worse, facing homelessness,” she added.

The Sinn Féin TD called for a series of measures, including a ban on no-fault evictions, action to reduce rents, and increased delivery of social and affordable housing.

She also urged the expansion of the tenant-in-situ scheme and changes to income thresholds to allow more people to qualify for social housing.

“People in Mayo deserve the security of a home they can afford. This government is not delivering on housing and it is renters who are paying the price,” she said.

Meanwhile, Paul Lawless, Aontú TD for Mayo, highlighted separate figures showing rising house prices and a decline in rental properties available in the county.

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According to the Real Estate Alliance index, average house prices in Mayo have increased by 4% in just three months, while 60% of property sales nationally involve landlords leaving the rental market.

Deputy Lawless said recent government regulations are contributing to the problem.

“There is huge irony here that regulations introduced to protect tenants have resulted in fewer rental properties and are punishing tenants,” he said.

He argued that new tenancy rules, including minimum six-year lease requirements, have prompted some landlords to exit the market, contributing to both rising rents and reduced availability.

“This is a disaster for families looking to buy or people looking to rent homes in the county,” he said.

Deputy Lawless called for reduced regulation, lower construction costs and planning reforms to increase housing supply, including scrapping VAT on building materials and introducing pre-approved housing designs.

The TD also highlighted the role of Mayo County Council, noting that while it owns more than 2,500 homes, it is also renting around 1,500 properties to meet housing demand.

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He said increasing housing supply remains key to addressing both rising house prices and rental pressures.

“The easiest way to reduce the rate of homelessness and reduce the price of houses is to build more homes and take pressure out of the system,” he added.

Both TDs agreed that increasing housing supply is key to tackling the crisis, though they differ on the approach needed.

With rents rising, house prices increasing and fewer properties available, the housing situation in Mayo continues to pose serious challenges for renters and prospective buyers alike.