Rent Increases and Rent Pressure Zones in Ireland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Rent can only be increased in line with strict rules:
- Rent can only be reviewed once every 12 months (once every 24 months for new tenancies in Rent Pressure Zones — RPZs).
- In a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ), rent increases are capped at the lower of 2% per year or the rate of general inflation (HICP). Most of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other urban areas are RPZs.
- RTMP 2026 (in force 1 March 2026): the lower-of-2%-or-HICP cap is extended to apply nationally to most new tenancies, not just to designated RPZs. New apartments and Small-Scale Apartment (SSA) units commenced on or after 10 June 2025 have their annual increase capped at HICP only (no 2% upper bound).
- Outside the RPZ / RTMP 2026 caps, rent must not exceed the market rate — the landlord must provide evidence of comparable rents in the area.
- Your landlord must give you 90 days' written notice of a rent increase.
The rent increase notice must state the new rent, the date it takes effect, the current rent, and how the new rent was calculated.
When does it apply?
- You are a tenant in a property covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts.
- You can check if your area is an RPZ at rtb.ie/rent-pressure-zones.
- If your property is in an RPZ and was previously exempt (e.g., new build or substantially refurbished), check whether the exemption still applies — many exemptions have been removed or narrowed.
- The RTB maintains a Rent Register — you can check the rent on comparable properties.
What to Do If Your Landlord Raises Your Rent Too Much in Ireland
- Check whether your area is an RPZ — if so, the 2% cap applies.
- Review the notice — if it does not meet all legal requirements, it may be invalid.
- If you believe the increase is excessive, you can refer a dispute to the RTB within 90 days.
- The RTB can determine the correct rent and order the landlord to refund any overpayment.
- Contact Threshold for free advice on whether your rent increase is lawful.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't just accept a large increase — check whether it complies with the RPZ rules or the market rate.
- Don't stop paying rent because you disagree with an increase — pay the current rent and dispute the increase through the RTB.
- Don't assume all areas are RPZs — some rural areas are not designated, and different rules apply.
Common Questions
How much can rent go up in a Rent Pressure Zone in Ireland?
In a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ), rent increases are capped at the lower of 2% per year or the rate of general inflation (HICP). Most of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other urban areas are RPZs. Rent can only be reviewed once every 12 months, or once every 24 months for new tenancies in RPZs. Check if your area is an RPZ at rtb.ie/rent-pressure-zones.
How much notice must I get before a rent increase in Ireland?
Your landlord must give you 90 days' written notice of a rent increase. The notice must state the new rent, the date it takes effect, the current rent, and how the new rent was calculated. If the notice does not meet all legal requirements, it may be invalid. Outside RPZs, rent must not exceed the market rate and the landlord must provide evidence of comparable rents.
What can I do about an unlawful rent increase in Ireland?
Refer a dispute to the RTB within 90 days. The RTB can determine the correct rent and order the landlord to refund any overpayment. Do not stop paying rent because you disagree — keep paying the current rent and dispute the increase through the RTB. Contact Threshold for free advice on whether your rent increase is lawful.
When does it apply — rent increases and rent pressure zones?
You are a tenant in a property covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts.You can check if your area is an RPZ at rtb.ie/rent-pressure-zones.If your property is in an RPZ and was previously exempt (e.g., new build or substantially refurbished), check whether the exemption still applies — many exemptions have been removed or narrowed.The RTB maintains a Rent Register — you can check the rent on comparable properties.
What should I do if my landlord has given me an excessive rent increase in Ireland?
Check whether your area is an RPZ — if so, the 2% cap applies.Review the notice — if it does not meet all legal requirements, it may be invalid.If you believe the increase is excessive, you can refer a dispute to the RTB within 90 days.The RTB can determine the correct rent and order the landlord to refund any overpayment.Contact Threshold for free advice on whether your rent increase is lawful.
What should you NOT do — rent increases and rent pressure zones?
Don't just accept a large increase — check whether it complies with the RPZ rules or the market rate.Don't stop paying rent because you disagree with an increase — pay the current rent and dispute the increase through the RTB.Don't assume all areas are RPZs — some rural areas are not designated, and different rules apply.