Ireland’s Rental Rules Are Changing — Here’s What You Need to Know Before March 2026

*These reforms are approved Government policy and are expected to be enacted before 1 March 2026, with final details subject to legislation.*

From 1 March 2026, a proposed new set of residential tenancy laws could reshape how long people can stay in rented homes, how rents are set, and when a landlord can ask a tenant to leave. These reforms are being described as the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in decades.

Since the details were released, we’ve had a steady stream of calls and emails from landlords, tenants, and investors looking for advice and clarification. Many are unsure how the changes will affect existing tenancies, future rental income, or their ability to manage properties effectively — which is completely understandable given how complex and far-reaching the reforms are.

With that in mind, we’ve broken down the key changes below in plain English — what’s changing, who it affects, and what you should be thinking about now.

A Shift Towards Long-Term Renting

Traditionally, renting in Ireland has been short-term and uncertain. The new laws aim to change that by making renting a longer-term, more stable option.

New 6-Year Rolling Tenancies

From March 2026, all new tenancies must be offered on a minimum 6-year rolling basis.

That doesn’t mean a tenant is locked in for six years — tenants can still leave with proper notice — but it does mean landlords face much stricter limits on ending tenancies during that period.

In short:
– Tenants get more security
– Landlords must have stronger reasons to terminate

The End of “No-Fault” Evictions (For Most)

One of the biggest changes is the effective removal of no-fault evictions for new tenancies.

For larger landlords (4+ properties):

• They cannot end a tenancy during the 6-year term simply because:
  • They want to sell
  • They want the property back for personal use
• Termination is only allowed for:
  • Serious tenant breach, or
  • The property being genuinely unfit for occupation

For smaller landlords (3 or fewer properties):

• There is slightly more flexibility, but termination grounds are still limited and tightly regulated.
• Options such as: Financial hardship, Need for property for close family (all tightly defined in legislation)

This is a major cultural shift in Irish renting — one designed to stop sudden, unexpected loss of homes.

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What’s Happening With Rent?  

Rent regulation is also being reworked — and this is where landlords and tenants are paying close attention.

 New Tenancies = Market Rent

• From March 2026, landlords can set the initial rent of a new tenancy at open market value.
• This applies nationwide, not just in Rent Pressure Zones.

Ongoing Rent Increases

Once a tenancy is in place:

• Rent increases are capped at the lower of:
  • Inflation (CPI), or
  • 2% per year
• This applies across the entire country

Rent Reset After 6 Years

At the end of each 6-year tenancy cycle:

• Rent can be reset to market level before a new 6-year period begin

   Who Do These Rules Apply To?  

They apply to:

• New residential tenancies starting on or after 1 March 2026

They do not apply to:

• Existing tenancies already in place before that date
• Licence arrangements (e.g. renting a room in an owner-occupied home

Why Is the Government Doing This? 

The goal is to strike a balance between:

• Tenant security — fewer forced moves, more stability
• Landlord viability — predictable rent growth and market rent resets

Whether the reforms achieve that balance is still up for debate, but one thing is clear: renting in Ireland is moving toward a long-term model, closer to what we see in other European countries.

 What Should You Do Now?  

If you’re a tenant:

• Expect longer-term security in future rentals
• Fewer “out of the blue” terminations
• More predictable rent increases

If you’re a landlord:

• Review your portfolio size and how the new rules apply to you
• Understand termination limitations before offering new tenancies
• Get professional advice — compliance will matter more than ever

March 2026 may feel far away, but these changes will fundamentally reshape the rental market. Whether you rent, let, or manage property, understanding the new rules early will put you ahead of the curve.

Get in contact today for a free consultation!  

01 453 8137

Info@martinpropertyconsultants.ie