Renting in Ireland has always required a fair bit of resilience, but recent changes in legislation have made it even more important for tenants to stay informed. Whether you’re applying for a new home, reviewing your rental history, or updating your tenant resume, understanding the legal landscape helps you protect your rights and make smart decisions in a fast-changing market.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key legal updates introduced in 2024 and 2025 that every renter in Ireland should know. From rent increases to eviction rules and support tools like Tenantin.ie, this post will keep you one step ahead in your renting journey.
Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs): A Tighter Cap on Increases
One of the most important updates for tenants is the continuation of the Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) regulations, which now strictly cap rent increases to a maximum of 2% per year in designated areas. These zones include much of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other high-demand cities.
If you’re renting within an RPZ:
- Rent can only be reviewed once every 12 months
- Any increase must follow the prescribed formula from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)
- The landlord must provide 90 days’ notice and include comparable rent data for similar properties in the area
For tenants building a tenant resume, knowing your rent increase history and documenting it in your rental history can help you negotiate and avoid unlawful hikes.
Stricter Notice Periods for Evictions
Recent updates in the Residential Tenancies Act have strengthened notice periods, offering greater protection against eviction. If your landlord intends to end your tenancy, the notice they must give depends on how long you’ve lived in the property.
As of 2025, the rules are:
- Less than 6 months: 90 days’ notice
- 6 months to 1 year: 152 days
- 1 to 3 years: 180 days
- 3 to 7 years: 196 days
- 7 to 8 years: 224 days
- 8+ years: 224 days
Landlords must now serve a valid written notice that meets legal requirements. Tenants who receive an invalid notice can challenge it through the RTB. This is especially useful for long-term tenants building a secure rental track record as part of their profile.
End of ‘No Fault’ Evictions in Certain Circumstances
Another major change is the restriction on so-called ‘no fault’ evictions, where landlords previously ended tenancies for reasons unrelated to tenant behaviour, such as selling the property or moving in a family member.
Under the new rules:
- Tenants in RPZs who have been in a property for more than 6 months are protected from eviction on sale grounds, unless the buyer intends to live in the home
- If a landlord wants to reclaim the property for personal use, they must provide proof and sign a declaration
- These protections aim to reduce displacement and provide renters with more security
This is especially important for tenants actively renting in Ireland, as it gives more time to plan their next steps without sudden disruptions.
Deposits and Upfront Payments Now Capped
In a move designed to improve affordability, new rules introduced in late 2024 limit the amount landlords can ask for at the start of a tenancy:
- One month’s rent + one month’s deposit is the legal maximum
- Landlords cannot request multiple months of rent in advance
- Holding deposits must be clearly documented and returned if the tenancy does not proceed
For new renters, this makes it easier to plan financially and enter the market without extreme upfront costs. Including your deposit history in your rental history section on your Tenantin profile can also show landlords that you’ve been a responsible tenant.
Introduction of the Tenant In Situ Scheme
Another positive step for tenants is the Tenant In Situ purchase scheme, which allows local authorities to buy rental properties where the landlord is selling and the tenant risks eviction.
If you are at risk of losing your home due to a landlord sale:
- The local authority may intervene to purchase the property
- You could remain in the property as a social or cost-rental tenant
- This process helps prevent homelessness and provides continuity for tenants
While it doesn’t apply to every case, it’s a crucial safety net worth knowing about, especially if you’re currently renting in Ireland and face uncertainty about your future.
Registering Tenancies Annually with the RTB
In a bid to improve transparency, landlords are now required to register tenancies annually with the Residential Tenancies Board. This change improves oversight and gives tenants confidence that their tenancy is on record and protected under Irish law.
For renters, this makes it easier to:
- Access dispute resolution if issues arise
- Confirm your tenancy has been properly recorded
- Build an official rental history that supports future applications
Tenantin.ie allows tenants to keep track of their rental details securely. This information is especially useful when filling out your tenant resume, as it ensures accuracy and professionalism.
Digital Tools to Help Tenants Stay Ahead
Understanding the legal landscape is important, but being organised is just as vital. Tenantin.ie offers free tools that empower tenants to take control of their renting experience.
With Tenantin, you can:
- Build a complete tenant resume that includes your rental and employment history
- Record your rental history clearly and professionally
- Download your resume and share it with private landlords
- Get daily listing alerts with the premium On a Hunt feature
- Automatically send enquiries to relevant listings on FindQo.ie
- Boost your visibility to landlords who are actively seeking tenants
Explore the platform or create your free profile now:
These tools can help you stay competitive in a challenging market while also ensuring you’re compliant and protected.
What Tenants Should Do Next
With these legal changes now in place, here’s what you can do to stay informed and ready:
1. Keep Your Documents Organised
Track rent receipts, lease agreements, deposit records, and notice communications. Upload them to your Tenantin profile to build your tenant resume and maintain a clear record of your rental history.
2. Know Your RPZ Status
Check if your rental is located in a Rent Pressure Zone. If so, understand the maximum rent increase and ensure your landlord follows the correct procedure.
3. Stay Alert for Unlawful Evictions
If your landlord gives you notice, verify that it meets the new legal requirements. You can always contact the RTB or use Tenantin’s resources to double-check your rights.
4. Be Proactive in Your Search
With tools like On a Hunt, you can streamline your property search, apply faster, and reach landlords who are actively looking for vetted tenants like you.
Rent with Confidence
The Irish rental market is evolving, and as a tenant, you need to evolve with it. With new protections around rent increases, eviction rules, deposits, and tenancy registration, 2025 offers more structure and support than ever before.
By using free tools like those offered on Tenantin.ie, you can build a stronger application, track your rental history, and present a professional tenant resume that gives you a competitive edge. Most importantly, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and resources to rent with confidence.
Ready to protect your tenancy and boost your chances with landlords?
Create your free tenant profile today at Tenantin.ie
