Rent Increase Rules in Ireland: The Complete 2026 Guide
When can your landlord increase your rent? How much notice do they need to give? What’s the maximum they can charge? Here’s everything you need to know.
Quick answer
Since 1 March 2026, rent can only increase by a maximum of 2% per year, nationwide. Your landlord must give you at least 90 days’ written notice before any increase. If the increase is above 2%, it’s illegal — and you can challenge it with the RTB.
Check your rent increase now →The 2% cap: how it works
Before March 2026, only properties in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) were subject to a 2% annual cap. Properties outside RPZs had no legal cap at all — landlords could charge whatever the market would bear.
The 2026 reforms changed that. The 2% cap now applies to every residential tenancy in Ireland, regardless of location. RPZ designations are no longer relevant for rent increases.
The 2% is calculated on the current rent, not the market rate. If your rent is €1,500/month, the maximum your landlord can increase it to is €1,530/month (€1,500 × 1.02).
Notice requirements
Your landlord must give you at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent increase takes effect. The notice must include:
- The new rent amount
- The date the increase takes effect (at least 90 days from the notice)
- A statement that you have the right to refer a dispute to the RTB
- The date the current rent was last set
- How the new rent was calculated (showing it is within the 2% cap)
If the notice is missing any of these, it’s invalid — and the increase cannot take effect.
How often can rent be increased?
Rent can only be reviewed once every 12 months. Your landlord cannot increase rent more frequently than that, even if the total of two increases in a year would stay within 2%.
The 12-month clock starts from when the rent was last set — whether that was at the start of the tenancy or the date of the last increase.
What if my landlord exceeds the 2% cap?
If your landlord proposes an increase above 2%, you have the right to challenge it. Here’s what to do:
Don't panic — and don't pay
You are not obliged to pay an illegal increase. Continue paying your current rent.
Write to your landlord
Inform them in writing that the proposed increase exceeds the 2% cap and is therefore invalid.
Refer to the RTB
If your landlord insists, you can refer a dispute to the Residential Tenancies Board within 28 days of receiving the notice.
Need help with the dispute process? Read our step-by-step RTB dispute guide →
New tenancies: what about the first rent?
The 2% cap applies to increases during a tenancy. For a new tenancy, the initial rent can be set at market rate — there is no cap on the first rent agreed.
However, once the tenancy is established, any subsequent increase is capped at 2% per year. This applies from the first day of the tenancy.
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Check your rent increaseDisclaimer: This article provides general information about Irish rental law. It is not legal advice. For complex situations, contact Threshold or speak to a solicitor.