Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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470. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans regarding the rental reform scheduled to take place in March 2026 in order the minimise current speculation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56829/25]

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.

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 Residential Tenancies Board (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 2004 to 2025. On 14 October 2025, Government approved the General Scheme of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025. This legislation is now subject to priority drafting by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, and the General Scheme has been 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.