Overview
- The Seanad takes up the legislation today after the Dáil approved it 80–70 with no amendments accepted.
- Key provisions are slated to take effect on 1 March, including six-year minimum terms for new tenancies, with existing leases unchanged.
- Landlords may reset rents to market rates when a property becomes vacant, while caps for existing tenancies remain at the rate of inflation or 2%, whichever is lower.
- The bill also establishes a national rent-price register and reforms the Rent Pressure Zone framework into a nationwide system.
- Opposition parties decried a rushed process and warned of large rent hikes—citing average annual increases of about €3,000 and up to €5,000—while the Government argues the changes will attract investment; the Simon Communities welcomed stronger tenure security but said affordability is not addressed.