ireland rental market: new house legislation unpacked

Those relocating employees into Ireland continue to navigate the country’s prolonged housing crisis, with rental supply at a record low and rental rates trending upward. Against this challenging backdrop, the Government has enacted the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, a sweeping reform set to reshape the rental landscape for the long-term. The legislation applies to new tenancies from 1 March 2026.

a new era of tenant protections

The Government has positioned the 2026 legislation as a landmark strengthening of renter security. Key changes include:

• Six-year security of tenure for new tenants.
• Elimination of “no–fault” evictions for landlords with four or more rental properties.
• National rent control, introducing a Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap on rent increases, which will be 2% per year during periods of high inflation.
• A public rent price register designed to introduce more transparency.

The reforms aim to give renters greater stability and clarity.

market rent resets in ireland

The legislation also includes the introduction of market rent resets. From 1 March 2026, landlords can:

• Reset rent to full market value when taking on a new tenant
• Reset rent again every six years

According to some, this may have the potential for short–term rent spikes in an already overheated market. With rents rising 4.4% in 2025, critics argue that enabling market resets will exacerbate affordability challenges before stability is achieved.

balancing competing priorities: 

supply vs. stability

The Government maintains that the reforms strike a delicate balance: encouraging landlords to stay in the market while improving protections for renters. Six-year security of tenure is seen as a cornerstone of this approach.

However, concerns remain. Exemptions to the 2% rent cap, particularly for newbuild apartments and student accommodation, risk exposing key groups to larger rent increases. Meanwhile, the structural shortage of homes continues to be a key market pressure.

As of 1 February 2026, 1,750 homes were listed for rent nationwide in Ireland. This is a 22% drop compared with the same time last year. Room rentals have also declined sharply. This scarcity is driving intense competition, elevated prices, and presents a growing challenge for Irish renters and expatriates moving to the country.

emerging trends in irish rental market

Based on recent market behaviour, several clear trends are emerging.

1. The first half of 2026 will be exceptionally challenging. Many landlords are struggling to interpret the new legislation, with some choosing to exit the market entirely. This will further reduce already-limited supply.
2. Some markets will show an uptick in listings but at significantly higher prices. Where supply is increasing since 1 March, it is largely due to landlords resetting rents to full market value for the first time since 2016. These new listings carry premium pricing well above Q4 2025 averages.
3. Affordability pressures will intensify. New tenants entering the market in 2026 can expect to pay substantially more across all property types. This will create particular challenges for relocating employees.
4. Business growth may be constrained by housing scarcity. Companies continue to cite housing availability and affordability as major barriers to recruitment and retention.

cartus recommendations

For employers

• Provide relocation support to all your relocating employees and new hires, as they navigate the current high-pressure market.
• Work with our industry-leading on-the-ground supplier partners, who have long-standing experience with Ireland’s market nuances. Let us take the pressure off!
• Consider temporary accommodation solutions to offset delays in securing long–term rentals.
• Plan, plan and plan some more! When scheduling relocation and recruitment timelines, keep current housing constraints in mind.

For relocating employees

• Begin property searches early. Competition is at an all-time high.
• Monitor the rent price register to ensure listings match allowable pricing.
• Prepare documentation in advance to secure a property quickly.
• Be flexible and ready to make your decision on very short notice.

Whether these reforms will stabilise the rental market, or add fuel to current pressures, will become clearer over the coming year. For more information about this new legislation or anything else regarding your mobility programme, contact your Cartus representative or email cartussolutions@cartus.com.

A big thanks to our supplier partners, Corporate Care Relocation and Dwellworks Ireland, for sharing their expertise and helping us put this blog together!