RMcH states: Ireland’s major rental reforms kick in from March 1, 2026, introducing rolling 6-year tenancies, linking rent increases to inflation (CPI) with a 2% cap (CPI or 2% lower), allowing market rent resets for new tenancies after tenant departure or 6-year cycles, and creating two landlord types (small/large) with differing rules, plus enabling tenant-in-situ sales and specific “no-fault” termination reasons like family use, notes gov.ie.
Key Changes for New Tenancies (from March 1, 2026)
- Tenancy Length: New tenancies become “Tenancies of Minimum Duration” (TMD) and roll into 6-year terms after 6 months, offering greater security.
- Rent Increases: Linked to CPI, capped at 2% (lower of CPI or 2%). New apartments/student housing are exempt from the 2% cap.
- Rent Resets: Landlords can reset rent to market value at the start of a new tenancy (if tenant leaves voluntarily) or at the end of the 6-year cycle.
Landlord Types
- Small Landlords (≤3 properties): Subject to rolling 6-year tenancies and market resets.
- Large Landlords (>3 properties): Face stricter rules, including an end to “no-fault” terminations for large landlords (only for family use, sale, or change of use).
Specific Landlord Rights (for all)
- Tenant-in-Situ Sales: Can still sell properties with tenants living in them.
- Limited Terminations: Can end tenancies if the property is needed for themselves or immediate family (parent, child, spouse) or to change the property’s use.
What’s NOT Changing (Immediately)
- Existing tenancies continue under current rules.
- The “lower of HICP/CPI or 2%” cap continues for most existing tenancies.
These reforms aim to balance tenant security with encouraging new housing supply, with detailed implementation coming from the Department of Housing and Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)
At RMcH, we are not property agents but we’re just bringing this to your attention, please consult with your property specialist for advice.
Courtesy of https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/government-reforms-to-the-rental-sector-starting-1-march-2026/