Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, section 20 in 2004 provided for annual rent reviews. Section 20 was then amended by the former Minister, Deputy Alan Kelly, in 2015 by inserting subsections (4) and (6), which provided for 24-month reviewing. The amendment provides that after the initial 24-month review, in a rent pressure zone, the reviews will be on an annual basis. That is the position in terms of the legal interpretation of what is there.

R, as it is called, is the last rent under a tenancy. Rent cannot increase by more than 4% above the last rate set, including a rate set for a previous tenant. That protection is still there.

See this speech in context