Rule changes will mean at least €3k rent rises for tens of thousands, Sinn Féin says

For new tenancies from March 1, landlords will be able to reset rents to market rates if the previous rent was below market level

According to Residential Tenancy Board figures, the average rent for existing tenancies across the country is €1,482. Eoin Ó Broin argued that the average market rent is €1,731. File photo

Sinn Féin has warned that changes to rent rules will lead to 60,000 households facing an extra €3,000 to €5,000 in rent every year. This, its housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin warned, included rises of up to €5,300.

The Government intends to introduce changes to rent rules across the country from March 1. This will see the introduction of six-year leases, with rent increases limited to the rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is lower.