The Cabinet will today consider new legislation aimed at cracking down on rogue landlords and improving protections for tenants in Ireland’s rental sector.
The proposed laws will introduce stricter controls on landlords and enhance transparency in the rental market through new registration requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
No-Fault Evictions Restricted
Under the new rules, landlords will no longer be able to end tenancies without valid grounds in properties with four or more rental units. The legislation aims to curtail the practice of terminating rental agreements to change tenants or increase rents.
Despite this protection, the new law will still allow landlords to terminate tenancies if they genuinely need the property for their own use or that of a family member. The new rules are expected to take effect from March 1, 2026, requiring swift passage of the legislation through the Oireachtas.
Rent Price Register to Track Market Rates
A key element of the new law is the establishment of a Rent Price Register to track rental properties and prices across the country. The register will help ensure compliance with rent increase limits, particularly in high-demand areas designated as Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).
Under the system, landlords will be required to provide detailed information about their properties, including the number of bedrooms and rental rates, improving market transparency.
Changes to RPZ Rules
Modifications to the national RPZ regulations will be introduced. The 2% annual rent increase cap will not apply to newly built apartments, with the government arguing this will incentivize new construction.
New instructions will allow landlords to reset rents to market rates when properties are newly let. The law will require landlords to demonstrate that rental rates are determined by comparing similar properties in the area.
Relief for Small Landlords
Smaller landlords in Ireland will be granted more flexibility in managing their properties, including circumstances where they need to use the property themselves.
Derelict Property Tax
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has confirmed the government will introduce a new tax on derelict properties to replace the existing derelict site levy. The tax is expected to be charged at 7% of the property’s market value, aimed at bringing vacant and abandoned properties back into use.
The package of measures represents the government’s response to ongoing housing and rental crisis, though opposition parties have criticized similar proposals as insufficient to address affordability and supply issues.