The Irish Government has announced major reforms to the rental sector, aiming to improve tenant protections, regulate rent increases, and encourage sustainable investment in housing. These changes will come into effect from March 1st, 2026, and are set to reshape the rental landscape across the country.
Read the full press release on gov.ie
Key Highlights
Nationwide Rent Control
- Rent increases will be linked to inflation (CPI).
- A 2% cap will apply during periods of high inflation.
- New apartment developments will be exempt from the 2% cap, with rent increases tied only to CPI.
- New Laws on Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) have been signed into law by the President, which effectively means that the entire country became an RPZ on the 20 June 2025.
End of ‘No Fault’ Evictions
- Larger landlords (4+ tenancies): Cannot evict tenants without cause.
- Smaller landlords (≤3 tenancies): May evict only under hardship or specific conditions after six years.
Stronger Tenant Protections
- Introduction of rolling six-year tenancies.
- Enhanced security of tenure for all new tenancies starting after March 1st, 2026.
- Tenants will benefit from unlimited duration leases with clearer rules on termination.
Landlord Flexibility
- Landlords can reset rent to market value at the start of a new tenancy, unless the previous tenant was evicted without fault.
- Properties can be sold with tenants in place, helping maintain rental supply.
Understanding the Difference: Rental Property vs. Tenancy
To fully grasp the impact of these reforms, it’s important to distinguish between a rental property and a tenancy:
- Rental Property: The physical unit being rented—such as a house, apartment, or flat. A landlord may own multiple properties.
- Tenancy: The legal agreement between a landlord and a tenant that allows the tenant to occupy a property. A single property can have multiple tenancies over time.
Why it matters: Under the new rules, a landlord with 4 or more tenancies is classified as a larger landlord, subject to stricter eviction rules—regardless of how many properties they own.
What’s Next?
Legislation will be introduced in the coming weeks, with full implementation set for March 2026. These reforms aim to balance tenant security with landlord viability while addressing Ireland’s housing challenges.
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