Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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256. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department has undertaken any impact assessment, economic analysis, or consultation with stakeholders regarding the proposed prohibition of no-fault evictions for landlords with more than three tenancies, due to come into effect on 1 March 2026; the projected number of private landlords expected to exit the market as a result of this measure; the estimated likely effect on the supply and capital value of private rental housing; if any legal advice has been obtained as to the potential constitutional implications of restricting an owner’s right to sell with vacant possession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56416/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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On 10 June 2025, the Government approved policy measures including modifications to rent controls to come into effect on 1 March 2026 in order to boost investment in the supply of homes available for rent and keep existing landlords in the market. The changes agreed will also provide significantly stronger tenancy protections and are finely balanced between the interests of tenants and the need for further private investment in the rental market across the country, taking account of stakeholder engagement.

The modifications to rent controls have been informed by the findings of the Housing Agency review of Rent Pressure Zones and Potential Policy Options. This review was undertaken to assess the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) since their introduction and consider their impact on the market and relevant stakeholders, including the retention of landlords and new investment. It was also to consider whether RPZs should continue without change or be removed, modified or replaced. The review involved engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders, including investors, representatives of landlord and tenant advocacy groups, academics and the RTB. The review recommended a modification of rent controls. It also recommended allowing landlords to reset rents to market levels between tenancies and providing for stronger tenant protections to guard against economic evictions.

My Department consulted extensively with the Office on the Attorney General in relation to the proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Acts. On 14 October 2025, Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025. This legislation will now be subject to priority drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, and the General Scheme will be forwarded to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage for pre-legislative scrutiny.

A detailed communications campaign will be undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with the RTB, between the publication of the Bill and the introduction of the new legislative measures from 1 March 2026.