09/02/2026
🚨 Rental Reform Warning Signs Are Flashing Red 🚨
The latest Irish Independent analysis by Charlie Weston highlights serious concerns from the Irish Property Owners Association and the wider property sector about the Government’s rental reforms due to commence on 1 March.
Estate agents surveyed by the SCSI warn that the combination of nationwide rent controls, tighter restrictions on sales, and changes to “no-fault” terminations is already accelerating a landlord exit from the market. With a 35% surge in termination notices and 86% of agents expecting further departures, supply risks are growing fast.
🧩 Why this matters
👉 Smaller landlords make up almost a quarter of the rental market and are under severe pressure
👉 Reduced supply ultimately pushes rents higher for new tenants
👉 Complexity, low net returns, and negative equity are driving decisions to sell
At the same time, renters are rightly seeking security, affordability, and certainty. These goals are legitimate - but policy that unintentionally shrinks supply risks undermining them.
The IPOA supports the SCSI call for a pause and proper consultation with landlords, tenants, and housing providers before reforms take effect. A stable rental sector requires balance, not rushed measures with long-term consequences.
Housing policy works best when evidence, engagement, and realism guide decisions - for renters and providers alike.
🔗 Read the full article (paywall may apply): https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/government-called-on-by-property-body-to-pause-rent-reforms-to-prevent-landlord-exodus/a168568356.html