That's the view of UCC Students' Union who say they're prepared to strike if a 3% rent increase impacting almost 1,300 students is not rolled back.
The University confirmed this week that it plans to raise rents at its accommodation centres for the next academic year due to what it says is an increase in the cost of security, maintenance and refurbishment.
The SU have rejected the reasoning for the increase and in an open letter to UCC President Patrick O'Shea say student rents at the five centres will have gone up by 19% in three years if the increase goes ahead.
In a statement to RedFM News, a spokesperson for UCC says President O’Shea has received both correspondences from the Students’ Union and will be issuing his reply directly to them.
Speaking to RedFM News, Students' Union Welfare Officer Naoise Crowley says the rent increase could have a knock-on effect on private rents:
