Tackling the housing crisis

Sir, – Not a week goes by without housing and the lack of affordable rental accommodation hitting the headlines. This week a survey by the Residential Tenancies Board showed more rent increases and a decline in new tenancies (“The Irish Times view on the latest data on the rental market: the crisis rumbles on”, May 2nd). Some Government initiatives are helping, such as the “rent a room scheme” allowing people to rent out a room in their house and avail up to €14,000 tax free. However this “rent a room” tax incentive is not available to people who rent out a “complete house” for the same €14,000 per year or less; they are expected to pay up to 50 per cent in tax. Rents would be drastically reduced if a tax exemption on rental properties under a certain figure was introduced. Sometimes simple solutions are the best. Why would a private landlord charge €2,000 per month and pay half in tax if there was a tax exemption on properties under €1,400 per month? – Yours, etc,

BRIAN LUBE,

Kilcock,

Co Meath.

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Sir, – Kay Chalmers notes (Letters, May 3rd) that “there is a growing tendency to frame the housing crisis in terms of the divide between the generations”.

I would further suggest that there is a growing tendency to frame the housing crisis in terms of the divide between landlords and tenants. Certain political parties love to portray this relationship as the ultimate ideological battle between the classes when it is nothing of the sort. Mutual respect and empathy are the key factors – the truth is that a good landlord needs a good tenant and vice versa.

It is unfortunate that legislation has inflicted damage on this affiliation, almost conferring enemy-status on each participant.

Both parties (as opposed to sides) need protection within the framework of mature, workable regulation, that encourages landlords into the housing equation, while ensuring protection and stability for tenants. – Yours, etc,

GEOFF SCARGILL,

Bray,

Co Wicklow.