Ireland Updates Rental Laws with Six Year Tenancy Protections

Ireland has officially implemented the Residential Tenancies Act 2026, fundamentally altering the landscape for long-term rentals. As of March 1, 2026, all new private residential tenancies enter a six-year protected cycle known as Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMDs). Once a tenant has occupied a property for an initial six-month period without receiving a valid notice of termination, they gain automatic security of tenure for the remainder of that six-year block.

The legislation aims to curb no-fault evictions and stabilize the market. Rent increases are now strictly capped at 2% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. Landlords must also justify their starting rents by citing three comparable properties from the official RTB Rent Register, making it harder to set arbitrary prices for incoming tenants.

Who is affected

This change primarily impacts expats and remote workers planning to stay in Ireland for more than six months. While student-specific accommodation and short-term holiday lets (less than six months) remain exempt from these security rules, the "middle ground" for nomads has become more complex.

Many landlords may now be hesitant to offer mid-term leases (6–12 months) to avoid locking in a tenant for the full six-year TMD. Conversely, those looking for long-term stability will find the strongest protections Ireland has ever offered. Large-scale landlords and corporate entities face the strictest rules, as they can no longer terminate tenancies simply to sell or refurbish the property.

What to do

If you are moving to Ireland for a stint longer than six months, ensure your lease is registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). You should receive a rent-setting statement at the start of your contract to verify the price aligns with local market rates.

If you plan to stay for a shorter period, look for designated holiday lets or short-term housing, as these avoid the nomad news regarding the new six-year mandates. Keep in mind that landlords must provide a copy of any termination notice to the RTB on the same day it is served to you for it to be legally valid.

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