Trinity College Dublin Revises Overnight Guest Policy for Students Following RTB Ruling

Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has announced a revision to its overnight guest policy for student residents, following a ruling by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB deemed the university’s previous regulations “unenforceable” under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, prompting the changes.

Under the new policy, students will now be able to sign in guests at any time of the day or night, replacing the former restrictions that prohibited guests after 11pm at Halls and midnight on campus, unless prior approval was obtained at least five days in advance.

This policy shift follows a complaint brought by László Molnárfi, the former president of the Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU), who argued that the restrictions infringed upon students’ privacy rights and were unreasonable. In September, the RTB ruled in favour of the complaint, confirming that the university’s guest policy violated the rights of students living in university accommodation.

Despite an appeal by Trinity College, which contended that student accommodation should be treated differently from regular shared living spaces, the RTB upheld its original decision. The ruling has resulted in a new policy, which allows students to host overnight guests without the need for prior approval, regardless of the time.

Both Mr Molnárfi and current TCDSU President, Jenny Maguire, shared the news with the student body through social media platforms, emphasising that students who are denied entry with a guest after the stipulated hours may be entitled to claim damages from the university.

Ms Maguire expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “University students and young people as a whole must be respected as the renters they are. They are entitled to the same rights as everyone else, and this win is a win for all renters. The landlord, Trinity College Dublin, was rightfully struck down in their overbearing conditions of residency. We in the union are delighted, and welcome it fully.”

Mr Molnárfi described the ruling as “a victory for student housing rights and a testament to grassroots power”, adding that it marked the first time the peaceful occupation clause had been applied to student accommodation in Ireland. He also noted that the case could pave the way for other students across the country to challenge similar policies through the RTB.

A spokesperson for Trinity College Dublin explained the updated guest policy, stating that students will now be able to register overnight guests online at any time, without the previous cut-off time of 11pm or midnight. However, they clarified that the university may still request the name of a resident’s guest and may introduce additional measures to address anti-social behaviour.

“The University welcomes the clarity brought by the recent determination of the Residential Tenancies Board Tribunal on its Overnight Guest Policy. In the best interests of all residents, the University may request the name of a resident’s guest and include additional measures within its Conditions of Occupancy to deal with anti-social behaviour,” the spokesperson added.

The new policy is currently undergoing the university’s internal approval process, following discussions between the Accommodation Office and the Students Union.