Residents living near DCU have been urged to rent out a room to students for the upcoming academic year.

Local residents can rent spare rooms to students tax-free, up to an annual limit. Rental income from renting a room in your home is exempt from tax, up to a maximum of €14,000 a year or €269.23 per week.

The Government recently changed the criteria for the scheme to allow those living in council homes to participate.

Dublin City University's Student Union has appealed to local residents to consider renting out their spare rooms, as students continue to struggle to find affordable accommodation amid the housing crisis.

DCU SU President Thomas O’Dowd said that students are commuting long distances due to a shortage of accommodation near the university.

Read more: Dublin business group says 'living above the shop' could help solve housing crisis

“Demand for student accommodation continues to far outstrip demand, and is the primary concern that DCU students are contacting their SU about," he said.

"Students are commuting huge distances, from all around the country, because they simply cannot find affordable accommodation close to the University. DCUStudentPad offers a safe and secure way for local residents to advertise their spare rooms, and for students to avail of accommodation close to the DCU campus.

"I would encourage any local resident who has the capacity to offer a room to rent, to do so through StudentPad.”

A dedicated website for advertising rooms is now live on DCU Studentpad, offering potential landlords a secure way to advertise spare rooms, and for students to search for accommodation.

A number of information sessions will be held at the university during the coming weeks for residents interested in offering rooms for students.

  • In-Person Information Sessions

    • Tuesday 25 July, 11am-1pm, The U Building (DCU Glasnevin Campus)

    • Thursday 27 July, 4pm-6pm, Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick’s Campus)

    • Thursday 24 August, 6pm-8pm, The U Building (DCU Glasnevin Campus)

    • Monday 28 August, 12pm-2pm, Cregan Library (DCU St Patrick’s Campus)

  • Online Information Session

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