A Maynooth University student has been forced to find alternative accommodation after being told they would be required to share their double bed with a complete stranger.
The issue came to light on Donegal's Highland Radio when the student's concerned parents wrote into the show describing their daughter's nightmare scenario.
According to the correspondence, the house's landlord approached the student to reveal that she would have to share her bed with a stranger - who would be paying €25 per night for the privilege.
Needless to say, the student was given little option but to give up her room.
A Donegal student attending Maynooth has been told by her landlord that half her double bed is going to be rented out for 25 euro a night. She's been told she has to share her double bed in the room she is renting with a stranger. @SimonHarrisTD @DarraghOBrienTD @highlandradio
— Greg Hughes (@GregHughes2) September 29, 2022
Highland Radio jock Greg Hughes has since posted the student's unenviable predicament on social media, where it gained considerable traction.
Many Twitter users argued that the student should report the rogue landlord, stating: "She should also go to the housing officer at the University and report it to them and see what help they will give her."
Others, meanwhile, compared Ireland's dire rental situation to more favourable markets in Europe: "It's disgraceful. Simple as that, on all levels. For all ages! I live in Brussels, and loads of accommodation are available, at far more humane prices."
One less sympathetic Twitter user was unconvinced, posting: "I don't believe this, but fair play to that girl for having it spread so far."
Another put a legal spin on the situation, claiming there may be little the student can do: "If this is being done via the rent-a-room scheme, as far as I'm aware there is no legally enforceable contract between the student and the home-owner (I'm open to correction on this). This is not a landlord-tenant arrangement. It's open to all sorts of exploitative behaviour."
