Tenant Rights & Obligations - 2026 Guide
Major rental reforms effective March 1, 2026 with enhanced tenant protections
March 2026 Reforms: Major changes include 6-year rolling tenancies (Tenancies of Minimum Duration), nationwide 2% rent caps (replacing local RPZs), and elimination of "no-fault" evictions for larger landlords. These reforms provide unprecedented security for tenants in Ireland.
Your Rights as a Tenant
Security of Tenure (2026 Reforms)
Effective March 1, 2026: New tenancies are now rolling 6-year cycles (Tenancies of Minimum Duration - TMD). Existing tenancies before March 2026 continue under previous Part 4 rules.
| Tenancy Duration | Tenant Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | 28 days |
| 6 months to 1 year | 35 days |
| 1-2 years | 42 days |
| 2-4 years | 56 days |
| 4+ years | 84 days |
Key 2026 Change: Larger landlords (4+ tenancies) can no longer end tenancies for sale, renovation, or personal use. Smaller landlords (≤3 tenancies) have restricted termination grounds during the first 6 years.
Rent Increases (2026 Nationwide Cap)
Major Change from March 2026: The 2% rent cap now applies NATIONWIDE, replacing the previous Rent Pressure Zone system:
- •Nationwide 2% Cap: Rent increases are limited to 2% annually OR CPI (whichever is lower) across ALL of Ireland
- •Rent can only be reviewed once every 12 months
- •90 days' written notice must be provided before any rent increase
- •Landlords must register rent increases with the RTB within 30 days
- •Exception: New apartment builds with commencement notices after June 9, 2025 are exempt from the 2% cap but remain tied to CPI
Deposit Protection
The RTB operates a mandatory Deposit Protection Scheme with enhanced enforcement for 2026:
- •Security deposits are limited to a maximum of 1 month's rent
- •Landlords must register deposits with the RTB within 10 working days
- •Deposits can only be withheld for specific reasons: rent arrears, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or outstanding utility bills
- •Landlords must provide itemized list of deductions when returning partial deposits
- •New for 2026: RTB can now impose administrative fines up to €15,000 for improper deposit handling
Minimum Standards
Rental properties must meet specific minimum standards:
Structural Integrity
- •Free from damp and rot
- •Sound roof structure
- •Safe flooring, stairways, and railings
Sanitary Facilities
- •Working toilet and bath/shower
- •Hot and cold water
- •Proper ventilation
Heating & Energy
- •Adequate heating in each room
- •BER certificate
- •Current rule: Minimum D2 rating required (upgraded from previous E rating)
Safety
- •Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- •Fire blanket in kitchen
- •Emergency evacuation plan
- •Mandatory electrical safety certificates
Downloadable Resources
Tenant Rights Guide (2026)
Comprehensive overview of tenant rights in Ireland
RTB Dispute Resolution Form
Template for filing a complaint with the RTB