'I won't stand for it': Minister vows to probe Wexford eviction notices ahead of new rental rules

James Browne said he 'won’t stand for it' after dozens of notices of termination were issued

Tue, 03 Mar, 2026 - 01:00

Tadgh McNally

The housing minister has said landlords cannot use new rental rules as an excuse to evict tenants, after 36 homes in a single area of Wexford were issued with eviction notices.

James Browne has raised alarm over the notices of termination being issued, saying he “won’t stand for it”.

“I am very concerned by some of the reports over the weekend from tenants in this estate in Bridgetown and I won’t stand for it,” Mr Browne said, in a statement.

I’ve spoken directly to the head of the RTB, and the National Head of Disputes is on the way down in-person to Wexford to meet residents and investigate what’s happening here.

"Everything is being examined to understand how tenants’ rights may be impacted.”

It is understood that terminations were issued by one developer, who owns several houses in Hazelwood, Bridgetown in Co Wexford.

Evictions just before rent reforms kick in

The eviction notices came on Friday, just two days before the Government’s new rental reforms kicked in on March 1.

These rules require landlords to keep rent increases at a maximum of 2% annually.

However, under some circumstances, including if a tenant leaves voluntarily, landlords will be permitted to reset rents to the market rate without a limit.

New tenancies after March 1 will have a minimum duration of six years, while tenants of larger landlords will have significant protections.

Mr Browne said there is “misinformation” insinuating the landlord is evicting the tenants as a reaction to the Government’s new laws.

“The fact is that existing tenants have rights — and the landlord has responsibilities, under existing legislation,” Mr Browne said.

Tenants’ rights

“Landlords cannot reset rent for a new tenancy if the previous one ended via a ‘no-fault eviction’ within the last two years, even in the case where there has been a sale to a new landlord.

“I am monitoring this situation very closely as we gather the facts.

“I will ensure that tenants’ rights are applied fully for the tenants concerned.

"No landlord can use the new rental rules, which are for newly-formed tenancies, as an excuse to evict their current tenants.”

Existing rules, known as the Tyrrelstown Amendment, require that if a landlord is selling 10 or more units in a single development, tenants must be kept in situ.