DUBLIN — The Irish government is set to introduce sweeping new housing reforms aimed at increasing transparency in the rental market and strengthening protections for tenants. The new legislation will require landlords to publicly disclose rental prices and will end the controversial practice of no-fault evictions.
The measures, which form part of a broader reform of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), are expected to come into effect from March 1, 2026, following Cabinet approval of the bill proposed by Housing Minister James Browne.
End to No-Fault Evictions
Under the new law, landlords — particularly those owning four or more properties — will no longer be able to evict tenants without cause. This means that tenants who have paid rent on time and complied with their lease terms can no longer be asked to vacate a property simply because the owner wants to sell, renovate, or house a family member.
The government says the reform is designed to bring greater stability to the rental sector and prevent the displacement of long-term tenants, especially in high-demand urban areas.
New Rent Price Register
A national rent price register, modelled after the existing Property Price Register, will be established to improve transparency in rental transactions. It will allow the public to see how much rent is being charged for specific properties across Ireland.
Landlords will be required to provide detailed information to the RTB, including the property’s energy rating, number of bedrooms, and type of dwelling. The government has stated that the Data Protection Commissioner will be consulted to ensure that the system complies with privacy regulations.
Officials believe the register will help tenants identify fair market prices and ensure that landlords adhere to rent control rules in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), where annual rent increases are currently capped at 2%.
Adjustments to Rent Pressure Zone Rules
The new legislation will also update RPZ regulations. Rent increases will either be tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or capped at 2%, whichever is lower.
However, the 2% limit will not apply to newly built apartments, a measure intended to encourage further construction in the housing sector. Landlords will also be permitted to reset rents to current market rates every six years, but they must demonstrate that any increases are in line with comparable properties in the same area.
Exemptions for Small Landlords
Small landlords — who make up approximately 35% of all landlords in Ireland — will still be allowed to end tenancies under certain conditions, such as when the owner or an immediate family member plans to live in the property. The government said this exemption recognises the different circumstances of small property owners compared to large institutional landlords.
Vacant Property Tax to Replace Site Levy
Separately, Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe has confirmed plans to introduce a vacant property tax to replace the existing levy on abandoned or undeveloped sites. The proposed tax would be set at 7% of the market value of the property and is expected to take effect in 2027.
The announcement follows the recent decision to apply a 9% VAT rate on the sale of new apartments, part of the government’s broader strategy to address Ireland’s housing and affordability crisis.
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