Enhanced tenant protections are welcome, but housing reforms fall short  

The reforms announced recently around security of tenure are welcome, but there needs to be a focus on new construction to counter the impact of the RPZ reforms, writes Michael Byrne

The reforms announced by the minister for housing James Browne reflect this, ensuring tenants for the first time will have a minimum of six years within which they can be confident they will not receive a notice of termination. File photo: Brian Lawless/PA

The recent Government announcement on the reform of the private rental sector represents a major step-change. 

While most of the debate so far has focused on rents, affordability and supply, changes to the security of tenure enjoyed by tenants are equally significant. We have known for a long time that insecurity, evictions and frequent moves are some of the most pressing issues for renters.