Ireland caps rent hikes at 2% for tenancies signed since March 1
| Standard/Existing Housing | 2% |
|---|---|
| New-Build (Post-June 2025) | 0% |
Ireland's new rental regime caps annual rent hikes at 2% or CPI, whichever is lower, for tenancies signed on or after March 1.
A 2% ceiling, with one big reset
The Residential Tenancies Act rebuilds the math for anyone renting in Ireland. Standard new tenancies now carry a 6-year minimum duration and within that window rent can move only once every 12 months by 2% or CPI, whichever is lower. Newly built apartments where construction began after June 10, 2025 and some student-specific accommodation are exempt from the 2% floor and tracked to CPI only.
The catch sits at the edges of the cycle. Landlords can reset to full market rent at the start of a new tenancy if the previous tenant left voluntarily or in breach and again at the end of each 6-year cycle. That makes the cap a strong ceiling mid-tenancy and a weak one at turnover.
What it costs a nomad month to month
Run the numbers on a typical Dublin one-bed at €2,200 ($2,376) a month. Under the old uncapped system, a 6% bump added €132 ($143) a month or €1,584 ($1,710) over a year. Under the new cap, the same rent can rise no more than €44 ($48) a month or €528 ($570) annually. Over the full 6-year tenancy, compounding at 2% versus 6% is the difference between paying roughly €2,478 ($2,676) and €3,121 ($3,371) in the final month.
Tenants signing leases in late 2025 stay under the old framework. The split matters for anyone weighing a December move-in against a March one when renting in Ireland.
The fee schedule and the fine print
Costs and process points to budget for:
- Rent increase cap: 2% or CPI, whichever is lower, once per 12 months
- CPI-only exemption: new-build apartments started after June 10, 2025 and qualifying student housing
- Market reset triggers: new tenancy after voluntary departure or breach; end of each 6-year cycle
- Notice rule: any rent review notice must reach the Residential Tenancies Board the same day it reaches the tenant or the review is void
- Comparables: three rents from the RTB Rent Register required when resetting to market
Deposits, holding fees and agency charges sit outside the Act and remain a private cost. Existing tenancies signed before March 1 stay on the old rules until they roll over.
Frequently asked questions
How much can rent increase in Ireland under the new rules?
Which tenancies are covered by Ireland's new rent cap?
Are any rentals exempt from Ireland's 2% rent cap?
Can landlords reset rent to market rates in Ireland?
How do the new Irish tenancy rules affect digital nomads?
Do Ireland's new rent rules affect visas or banking?
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