Homeowners Asked To Let Spare Rooms To Students

Homeowners are being urged to rent one of their spare rooms to a student in the midst of the housing crisis.

The plea, from the Union of Students in Ireland, is part of a campaign to encourage more people to offer "student digs."

It says digs are an affordable viable solution to the accommodation problem that is currently facing many students.

Homeowners can earn up to €14,000 a year tax-free from renting out a room to students for seven or five days a week.

Damien McClean from the USI believes it's a good option for both students and homeowners.

"For students, it means they're able to focus on their degrees and studying - which you would think would be the forefront of what they are here to do.

"For homeowners, it's great... it's up to €14,000 tax-free per year for a room that may have been empty anyway. It's a great way to meet new students, and it's great for company."

Households in Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Dublin will get info on how to register their spare room in the coming days.