Moves to block rent hikes by landlords

Landlords will be blocked from unfairly racking up rents while any rises will only be allowed after a three- month cooling off period, under plans set to be launched by Environment Minister Alan Kelly.

Labour’s deputy leader is understood to be preparing to reveal the measures, which also include a possible review of rent supplement levels, in the coming days to address the risk of homelessness and the related rental bubble.

Files seen by this newspaper show Mr Kelly has put forward three specific proposals to calm rents, which have surged over the past 12 months, with the aim of helping struggling families.