Cap on private rents is ruled out

Environment minister says ‘substantial’ legal concerns make a rent freeze a non-runner, but promises other options are being considered, writes Political Reporter Juno McEnroe

A cap on rents for private accommodation has been ruled out by the environment minister due to “substantial” legal concerns and the possibility of landlords taking a constitutional challenge.

Despite a surge in rents in Dublin, and smaller rises elsewhere, Alan Kelly said a rent freeze was out of the question in the near future but indicated other options were being considered.