Finding a home is often the most stressful part of relocating to Ireland. With high demand in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, the government has introduced significant reforms that came into effect on 1 March 2026. These changes are designed to provide more security for tenants and more transparency in pricing. At Recruitroo, we stay ahead of these legislative shifts to ensure our candidates are protected and well-informed when signing a lease.
Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMD)
The most significant change in 2026 is the introduction of the "Tenancy of Minimum Duration." For all new tenancies created after 1 March, a rolling six-year cycle is now the standard. This means that once you have lived in a property for six months without receiving a valid notice of termination, you are legally entitled to remain there for at least six years, provided you meet your obligations as a tenant.
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Increased Stability: Landlords can no longer end a tenancy simply because they want to sell the property or move in themselves, unless they are "small landlords" (owning 3 or fewer properties) and can prove specific hardship.
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The Rent Price Register: A new national register now allows you to see the previous rent paid for a property, preventing "rent gouging" between tenants.
Rent Caps and Increases
Under the 2026 rules, rent controls have been simplified and expanded nationwide:
- The 2% Cap: Annual rent increases are now capped at the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 2%. This applies to almost all private rentals across Ireland.
- No-Fault Evictions: Landlords are strictly prohibited from resetting the rent to "market rates" after a no-fault eviction. This ensures they cannot remove a tenant just to bypass the 2% cap.
- Setting Initial Rent: Landlords can still set the initial rent at market value for new properties or after a voluntary departure, but they must justify the price using the new Rent Price Register.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a tenant in Ireland, you are protected by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Your landlord must register your tenancy with the RTB annually. In return, you are responsible for paying rent on time, keeping the property in good condition, and respecting the peace of your neighbours. In 2026, the RTB has enhanced its dispute resolution services, making it easier for international residents to seek mediation if issues arise regarding deposits or repairs.
Relocation Advice: "Always request a 'rent book' or a formal receipt for every payment. Under the 2026 law, your landlord is legally required to provide a statement of rent paid. This is vital evidence if you ever need to dispute an illegal increase." — Sarah Murphy, Relocation Advisor.
Recruitroo’s Housing Support
Finding a compliant landlord is easier with Recruitroo. We vet our partner housing providers to ensure they adhere to the latest 2026 RTB standards. Our platform provides localized "Neighborhood Guides" and connects you with verified short-term accommodation to use while you find your long-term TMD home. We make the Irish rental market transparent and manageable.
Need help finding your Irish home? Check our candidate housing guides or book a demo to see how we help businesses house their talent. Visit Recruitroo.com for more.