DUBLIN, Ireland: From March 1, new tenants have been offered a six-year tenancy, providing them with greater protection, the rental regulator said.

Rent can still be increased each year by two percent or by the inflation rate, whichever is lower. It can also be adjusted to the full market rate every six years.

Louise Loughlin, Deputy Director of the Residential Tenancies Board, said that from March 1, additional limits will apply to landlords seeking to end a tenancy.

In June 2025, the Government approved new rules to strengthen rent controls and protect tenants in new tenancies starting from March 1. The changes are based on advice from the Housing Agency following its review of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).

Existing tenancies will not be affected by these new protections.

The aim is to provide tenants with greater security while also encouraging private investment in the rental market. A new law to bring these changes into effect is being prepared and will be published as a priority.

From March 1, 2026, all new tenancies will be called Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMD). These will last for six years on a rolling basis, providing tenants with greater stability.

During those six years, landlords can only end the tenancy in certain situations, such as:

• The tenant does not follow their responsibilities.
• The property no longer suits the tenant's needs.

Smaller landlords (those with three or fewer rental properties) can end a tenancy at any time if:

• They are facing financial hardship and need to sell the property.
• They or a close family member need to move into the property.

At the end of each six-year term, smaller landlords can also end the tenancy for legal reasons, such as:

• Selling the property.
• Moving in themselves or allowing a family member to move in.
• Carrying out major renovations.
• Changing how the property is used.

Larger landlords (those with four or more rental properties):

• Cannot end tenancies in order to sell, renovate, move in, or change the use of the property.
• Can still end tenancies if tenants do not meet their obligations.