Almost two thirds of tenants find it difficult to get their deposits back, according to a new Red C survey.

There’s 40% less rental space available than this time last year and rents have increased by over 8% nationally.

The Union of Students in Ireland has said digs can be a great alternative to traditional accommodation and is asking people who have a spare room to consider renting it to students.

Annie Hoey is USI President: “So we’re trying to let landlords know that they can let out a room in their house, you are under the rent relief scheme for up to €12,000.

“But also often that digs are a little bit nearer to campus and they can be very very nice sometimes living with a family sometime living with just one or two other people.

“We are very much trying to get students into the mindset that digs are an option for them.”