Court challenge to ‘quash’ council’s rent increase for social housing tenants
A Dublin councillor has launched a legal challenge against South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and its chief executive over rent increases for social housing tenants.
The challenge follows a special meeting in June at which councillors voted 15 to one in favour of a Section 140 motion calling for a suspension of planned changes to the differential rent scheme, pending a public consultation and approval of the 2027 council budget.
However, the rent increases still came into effect in July, including a 25pc increase in the base rent announced by the council in May.
Under the previous scheme, SDCC charged rent at 10pc of a household’s income. This was increased to 12.5pc under the revised scheme.
People Before Profit councillor Jess Spear, who lodged the legal challenge, said she is asking the High Court to “quash” the new rent scheme.
She said tenants have “serious concerns” about the increases and the standard of maintenance in their homes.
“Tenants deserve to have their voices heard,” Ms Spear said.
“The council already takes in millions more in rent than it spends from its own funds on housing maintenance. That is why councillors said any rent review should be based on fairness and should not be revenue-raising.
“This is about finding a better way to fund local services, one that doesn’t impoverish lone parents, pensioners and working families.”
The special meeting in June was preceded by a protest by older residents opposing the planned rent increases.
During the meeting, South Dublin County Council chief executive Colm Ward said he had received legal advice that the Section 140 motion was “not valid”.
In correspondence sent to councillors before that meeting, Mr Ward said changes to the differential rent scheme were an executive function.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy also criticised the increases.
“Working families, pensioners and lone parents are being asked to pay more during a cost-of-living crisis, while the maintenance of their homes is neglected,” Mr Murphy said.
South Dublin County Council was contacted for comment.