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Rent Setting in Ireland
National Rent Control rules under the Residential Tenancies Act 2025 and the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 — what landlords and tenants need to know.
The Rent Pressure Zone framework
Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ) were introduced in Ireland in 2016 on a temporary and limited geographical basis. Originally limited to Cork city and Dublin, Rent Pressure Zones were extended over time.
An important Report on Rent Pressure Zones was published in April 2025 (available at www.housingagency.ie). This report recommended reform of the Rent Pressure Zone rules.
The Residential Tenancies Act 2025
The Residential Tenancies Act 2025 extended the reach of Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) rules across Ireland. These measures came into force on 20 June 2025.
From that date forward any Notice of Rent Review must comply with the RPZ rules. Generally, rent may only be increased by 2% per annum (or the rate of inflation if lower). However, in locations not previously categorised as Rent Pressure Zones before June 2025 a landlord may only increase the rent two years after the previous rent increase, or two years after the location was designated a Rent Pressure Zone.
For landlords who may not be familiar with Rent Pressure Zone regulation before now it is important to consider carefully the rules that apply when seeking to increase the rent for a dwelling. Much helpful information is available on the RTB website which provides a “Rent Pressure Zone Calculator” to assist landlords and tenants — the Rent calculator is available at rtb.ie/rtb-rent-calculator.
Key Date
From 20 June 2025, any Notice of Rent Review must comply with the RPZ rules — generally a maximum 2% increase per annum, or the rate of inflation if lower.
From 20 June 2025, any Notice of Rent Review must comply with the RPZ rules — generally a maximum 2% increase per annum, or the rate of inflation if lower.
The 2026 reforms — National Rent Control
The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026 has changed the rules for new tenancies commencing on or after 1 March 2026. A new system of National Rent Control now applies to all residential tenancies in Ireland. These National Rent Control rules are monitored and enforced by the Residential Tenancies Board.
For example, if a previous tenancy was terminated by the tenant a landlord may be able to increase the rent for the property to current market level for a new tenancy. A landlord must refer to the new Rent Register published on the RTB rtb.ie/rtb-rent-register/ and identify 3 suitable comparators.
20 June 2025
Residential Tenancies Act 2025
RPZ rules extended nationwide. Any Notice of Rent Review thereafter must comply with RPZ rules — generally a 2% cap, with deferred increases in newly designated areas.
1 March 2026
Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026
National Rent Control applies to all residential tenancies. New tenancies may be set to market rent using the Rent Register and three comparators.
Setting rent for a new tenancy
For every new tenancy created on or after 1 March 2026 the Landlord must complete a Notice of Rent Setting Form:
rtb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Notice-of-Rent-Setting-Form_FINAL.pdf
Reviewing rent in an existing tenancy
For an existing tenancy in place before 1 March 2026 the rent can only be increased by a maximum of 2% per annum or the rate of inflation if lower. There is no provision to increase the rent to current market level unless the landlord is entitled to a “Rent Pressure Zone Exemption”.
The landlord must complete a Notice of Rent Review in order to increase the rent for an existing or a new tenancy:
rtb.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Notice-of-Rent-Review-Form_FINAL.pdf
The 90-day notice rule
The tenant must get a minimum of 90 days notice before a new rent comes into effect. Even if the rent is being increased by 2%, the landlord must still refer to 3 comparators to ensure the increased rent does not exceed the market rent. Comparators must be taken from the Rent Register.
Disputing a rent review
A tenant can refer a dispute about the Notice of Rent Review before the new rent takes effect. The new rent will not become payable until the dispute is resolved.
Practical video tutorials
In the Subscribers’ Area you can access informative 30-minute videos which contain practical information on the following:
- How to complete the Notice of Rent Setting Form for a New Tenancy created after 1 March 2026 and how to set rent to market level.
- How to complete the Notice of Rent Review Form correctly when reviewing the rent for an existing or a new tenancy.
- How to use the Rent Register and the RTB Rent Calculator.
- How to register a tenancy correctly with the RTB.
These videos are designed to be practical and useful to ensure tenants, landlords, property management agents and their staff are up to date with current Residential Tenancy Law in Ireland.
