Trinity students living on campus hit out at lack of basic tenant rights

Students living in campus accommodation lack any tenant rights and must dealt with the “occasional lack of running water, mice problems and invasive room checks”, according to Trinity Students Union.

Aiesha Wong, Communications and Marketing officer from TCDSU highlighted that although the buildings are “beautiful”, students on campus pay “extortionate prices” while putting up with many “inconviences” such as having to register an overnight guest in advance.

“One would think that with the incredibly extortionate prices students are paying for on-campus accommodation, they would at least have decent standards of living and a place to call home. However, this is unfortunately not the case in Trinity,” Ms Wong said.

“While the buildings might be beautiful, with the brand-new Printing House Square being opened a few years ago, occasional lack of running water, mice problems, and invasive room checks are just some of the inconveniences experienced by Trinity students.

“Alongside that, students are recognised as licensees, meaning they lack any and all tenant rights. Students cannot invite overnight guests unless they’ve signed them in before midnight, an overly-paternalistic policy from the college which, hypocritically, does not apply to staff or fellows on campus.

“Students have organised a TCDSU renters solidarity network in order to challenge these policies, and we would encourage students in on-campus accommodation to join,” Ms Wong added.

Trinity College Dublin confirmed living on campus is “€166 to €276 a week” and that “university student accommodation is not a normal residential environment”.

They also highlighted they have “over 1,800 bedrooms, many in historic buildings”. When asked about mice and a lack of running water, TCD admitted “minor issues do occur from time to time”.

“This is an educational residential environment where most students are in their final year of study and are concerned with being able to study and revise without undue disruption,” a spokesperson said.

“It is common for universities to have some restrictions on overnight guests. Students who live on campus live in shared spaces, which increases the risk of disturbance to housemates.

“Provided advance notice is given, overnight guests in term time must be signed in on campus before midnight. The Student Union has raised this matter. We take on board their views in respect of this and all college policies.

“Security is required for the safety of the whole community. Our campus is located in the heart of the capital city. Our Security Services team provides a 24-hour service on the main university campus. They are responsible for:

• General security on campus
• Conducting mobile and foot patrols on campus, by day and night
• Manning certain perimeter gates
• Monitoring the CCTV system and alarm systems
• Responding to emergencies
• Supporting special events on campus

“As outlined in the Conditions of Occupancy, Quality Assurance Inspections are carried out a few times during the year. At least 1 week’s notice is given via email. This is industry best practice.

“The main aim is to identify any maintenance issues that residents may not have reported. The University have a dedicate maintenance team and out of hours 24 hours service for emergencies.”

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