Evictions Rise By 50% As New Rent Rules Come Into Force - Ireland's Classic Hits Radio
The number of eviction notices have increased by 50% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period in 2025, as new rules regarding rent take full effect.
This was confirmed by the Residential Tenancies Board, who shared new data, showing there were 7,062 eviction notices by landlords in the first three months of 2026, compared with 4,693 a year earlier.
The data also showed that the number of private landlords increased by 1.3% annually to over 105,000, indicating increased participation in the rental market.
The RTB have said that these new figures for 2026, represent the highest quarterly figures recorded, but they do show a slight decrease following a peak in February. 1,998 termination notices had been issued in January, increasing to 3,138 in February, before dropping to 1,926 by March.
The figures also confirmed that 60% of these eviction notices were issued by landlords who were intending to sell the property.
This latest data coincide with new rental rules, which came into effect on March 1. These rules mean if a landlord takes on a new tenant, they must be given a six year lease.
They also found that the average rent for new tenants stands at €1,755, an increase of 5%. It was found to be highest in Dublin, at €2,322.
The number of registered private tenancies increase by 1.4% annually, while the strongest rates were seen in Approved Housing Body tenancies which rose by 11.9%.
The Government have been criticised by opposition parties, who claimed they would lead to a major increase in rents. At the time, the Government said these new laws were necessary to increase the supply of housing.
Property owners also warned that landlords were being forced out of the market by these new laws.
Speaking these figures, RTB Director, Rosemary Steen has said that she raised her concerns regarding Limerick, where the board has seen new rents being set at roughly 12% of an increase, which is a cause for concern.
Ms Steen also said that the figure is very high, and the board need to work hard to understand the issues in Limerick. She also stated that these figures are in relation to the rent increases in the last quarter of 2025, and do not reflect the recent changes brought about by these new laws.
Elsewhere, Limerick TD, Conor Sheehan has as that this rent increase of 12% is "extremely concerning".
The TD went on to add that if these rents continue to rise, Limerick will never receive the level of institutional investment that is aiding development in Dublin.
