Dublin City Council tenants face rent rises from next year, some of which could be more than 50 per cent, in the first major shake up of the city’s social housing rent system in 30 years. The council operates a “differential” rent system, with rents based on the net incomes of tenants. Currently, taxi drivers and other “non-trade” businesses are assessed on an “assumed net income” of €500 a week, whiles tradespeople – plumbers, electricians, etc – are assumed to have a net income of €560 a week. Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said rent increases were “premature” when many council tenants were living in substandard conditions. The council should seek Government funding to address the maintenance deficits, instead of asking tenants to assume the burden, he said.
