Competition probe rebukes IPOA landlords

Private landlords’ group the Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA) has been reprimanded by the competition regulator over a press release and a meeting where it discussed levying new charges for tenants in response to government plans for rent controls.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ruled the IPOA committee must undergo a training course in competition law and should guarantee never again to issue advice to its members over rent levels.

Last year, the commission opened a probe into car insurers and broker business groups about whether they “openly” indicated likely hikes in premiums.