{
  "id": 14872501,
  "title": "Wicklow pensioner 'anxious' after council doubles rent",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/wicklow-pensioner-anxious-after-council-doubles-rent",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/leinster/2026/1016/1595578-pensioner-rent-increases/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ann Dolan, a 73-year-old pensioner living in Hazelwood, Bray, Wicklow, is deeply anxious after the local council announced that her rent would double from around €200 to €400 per month. This pensioner, who has lived in the same council estate for 50 years and raised three children, expressed shock at the sudden increase, stating that she cannot afford such a large rise. She reminisced about her younger years when she faced similar financial struggles but emphasized that she should not have to go through it again at this age. Wicklow County Council explained that the rent increase is part of its agreements, requiring tenants to inform them of any changes in their financial or family circumstances. The council claimed it was the first review since 2019 and acknowledged that some tenants would face significant changes due to the merging of two separate rent schemes in the county. The new rents are set to take effect next month, leaving Ms. Dolan and her partner feeling anxious about how they will make up the extra money needed. Fellow resident Jennifer Doyle, who also faces a doubling of her rent, echoed Ms. Dolan's sentiments, expressing disbelief at the scale of the increase and questioning how ordinary working individuals can afford such drastic hikes in a time of economic crisis. Both residents emphasized that while they are paying mortgage-like prices, they are not as privileged as homeowners who own their residences. Wicklow County Council stated that rents are based on the ability to pay, with lower-income households receiving lower rents, but local councillors and representatives have criticized the scale of the increases as disproportionate, given the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.",
  "summary": "Ann Dolan is in the sitting room of her house in Hazelwood in Bray. Last month, she received a letter from the council, informing her that her that her rent was about to double.",
  "key_points": [
    "Wicklow pensioner Ann Dolan, 73, anxious about doubled rent",
    "Rent hike from €200 to €400 per month, effective next month",
    "Council defends increase as per agreements, first review since 2019"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Merging separate rent schemes forces long-term council tenants to face sudden, massive financial burdens that threaten the stability of low-income households during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}