Temporary rent controls are said to be coming in, as part of efforts to help thousands of families who have been hit with repeated increases.

The Irish Independent reports that the Attorney General has cleared the way for the temporary measures, to stabilise the market.

A Coalition source told the newspaper "at the heart of this is preventing people from falling into rent traps"

It is understood rent increases will be linked to inflation.

The Environment Minister Alan Kelly is expected to seek cabinet approval for the measures within weeks.

Karl Deeter of Irish Mortgage Brokers spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the proposed rent controls. He says longer leases would provide more stability for tenants.

Arguing that rent control has failed in other countries, he explained "don't copy broken plans - just make lots of houses":

A report by Daft.ie last month found that average rents nationwide between January and March stood at just over €960 - that is 8.2% higher than at the same point last year.

Compared to their lowest point (2010 in Dublin and 2012 in the commuter counties), rents have now risen by one-third in the capital and a quarter in the surrounding areas.

In the other city centres, rents continue to rise but at a slightly slower pace. In Cork city, rents are 7.5% higher than a year previously, similar to the increase seen in Galway 7.4%. In Limerick, rents have risen by 6.8% in a year, while in Waterford city rental inflation was 5.6%.

As the government considers rent controls for the private rental sector, students are facing a hike in accommodation costs.

Many colleges have confirmed increases for the new academic year for on-campus facilities.

Glen Fitzpatrick of the Union of Students in Ireland says it is becoming completely unaffordable:

Fr Peter McVerry, who campaigns against homelessness, says the rate of Government intervention is too slow:

Originally posted at 8.19am