Government Announces Major Rental Sector Reforms by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Date: 10 June 2025
The Government has approved major changes to Ireland’s rental laws. These reforms aim to protect tenants, improve rental security, and encourage more homes to be built for rent across the country.
Key Changes
- Nationwide Rent Controls:
Rent control rules, which were previously limited to certain areas (Rent Pressure Zones), will now apply nationwide. Rents will generally only be allowed to increase in line with inflation, up to a maximum of 2% per year. - No-Fault Evictions to End for Most Renters:
Landlords with four or more properties will no longer be allowed to evict tenants without a valid reason (known as ‘no-fault’ evictions). Smaller landlords (three or fewer properties) will face tighter rules on when they can end a tenancy. - New Tenancy Rules from 1 March 2026:
From this date, new tenancies will come with stronger protections. Most tenants will have rolling six-year tenancy terms. Ending these tenancies early will only be allowed in specific circumstances, such as serious financial hardship or the property being needed for a family member. - Rent Reset Rules:
Landlords will be allowed to adjust rent to current market rates at the start of each new six-year tenancy, unless the previous tenancy ended through a no-fault eviction. - Support for Investment in New Apartments:
Rent controls for newly built apartments (where development starts from 10 June 2025 onward) will also be tied to inflation, to encourage more construction. - Sales and In-Situ Tenants:
Landlords can still sell their property with tenants living in it.
These changes are designed to strike a balance between protecting tenants and keeping investment flowing into the rental market. The government says it is focused on both improving rental security and increasing the overall supply of homes to rent.
Further legislation is expected to be published in the coming months, with full details of the new rules and how they will be implemented.
Should you have any questions on your rental property or tenancy, please contact us today.
Legal Disclaimer:
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is not a substitute for the official government legislation or regulations. For specific guidance or legal interpretation, please consult a qualified advisor or refer to the official legislation when published.
