Ireland — Property: Rental Market

Key facts

• Citizens Information says that since 1 March 2026 rent increases for new and existing tenancies are capped at inflation or 2% a year, whichever is lower, and the Rent Pressure Zone system was dismantled on 28 February 2026.
• Government announcements describe the inflation measure as CPI; the 2026 changes came as a Bill, so check the enacted text.
• Rent Pressure Zone rules were extended to the whole country on 20 June 2025, covering private and student-specific accommodation.
• The 2021 legislation made tenancies of unlimited duration after six months; the 2026 Bill proposes rolling tenancies of at least six years and restricts no-fault evictions.
• No source reviewed confirmed the deposit cap, so check the Residential Tenancies Board.

Steps

1. Finding a rental property — Research areas with lower rents, consider working with a letting agent or property manager, and be prepared to act quickly when finding a suitable property
2. Applying for a rental property — Prepare necessary documents, including proof of income and rental history, and expect a thorough vetting process by the landlord or letting agent