Nationwide rent controls introduced, but minister can't say when rents will fall

James Browne announces national rent cap and eviction limits but admits only supply will reduce housing costs long-term

James Browne has received Cabinet approval to extend current rent pressure zones into a nationwide rent control system. Picture: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie

The housing minister cannot say when rents will come down, despite announcing a raft of measures aimed at addressing the sector.

James Browne has received Cabinet approval to extend current rent pressure zones into a nationwide rent control system, with legislation to be introduced in the coming weeks.

The new national system will cap rent increases at the rate of inflation. However, in times of high inflation, increases for most tenancies will be limited to a maximum of 2%.

The changes will also end ‘no-fault evictions’ for larger landlords — those with four or more tenancies — who will no longer be able to terminate a tenancy where the tenant has met their obligations, except in very limited circumstances.

All landlords will still have the right to end a tenancy if the tenant breaches their obligations or if the dwelling is no longer suitable for the tenant household.

Asked when he expects rents to fall as a result of the changes, Mr Browne said: "I expect rents to fall over time. What that particular length of time is I wouldn't be able to predict.

"I think the only way we can get rents down is by increasing supply," he said.

Housing minister James Browne at a press briefing on proposed changes to regulation of the rental sector at Government Buildings this afternoon in Dublin. Picture: Stephen Collins / Collins Photos

Mr Browne said the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) will be responsible for enforcing the new rules. However, no additional funding or staffing increases have been announced as part of the measures.

"I would hope that people would report landlords who are breaking the law in this respect where are looking at the level of fines for landlords," he said, but could not provide details of when penalties may increase or by how much.

He added: "There is no question, there's been a history in the state of tenants being afraid to come forward [to report landlords], but we are seeing a lot more landlords registering their properties now and we want to see that enforced. I am a very strong believer that the law needs to be enforced and that tenants need to have their rights protected."