Landlords Rush to Exit Rental Market Ahead of New Rules

URGENT UPDATE: Landlords in Ireland are rapidly exiting the rental market as new tenancy rules set to take effect on March 1, 2026, loom closer. With real estate agents warning of a potential “stampede,” renters could face a dramatically altered housing landscape in the coming months.

As the clock ticks down to the implementation date, reports indicate that 90% of small landlords—those with three or fewer properties—are already issuing eviction notices, fearing restrictions under the new regulations. These changes will introduce six-year rolling tenancy agreements, significantly limiting the ability of landlords to evict tenants, especially for the purpose of selling their properties.

In a statement to Newstalk, Eoin Ó Broin, Housing Spokesperson for Sinn Féin, commented on the situation:

“Every time there’s a new set of regulations being proposed by government, we hear from representative organizations there’s going to be a stampede and then that stampede doesn’t transpire.”

However, the current wave of evictions suggests that many landlords are acting preemptively.

The upcoming regulations will differentiate between small and large landlords. While small landlords can evict tenants under certain conditions—such as needing to sell the property due to financial hardship or personal use—large landlords will face stricter limitations. They will be prohibited from evicting tenants to sell, renovate, or repurpose their properties, meaning their options to manage their investments will be significantly curtailed.

This shift comes as part of broader efforts to stabilize the rental market, but it raises pressing concerns for tenants. With landlords rushing to secure their positions before the rules take effect, renters may soon find themselves in an even tighter housing market.

Moreover, landlords will have the ability to reset rent prices to full market rates at the start or end of the six-year tenancy if they were previously rented below market value. Rent increases during the tenancy will be capped at the lower of the inflation rate or 2%, which could affect affordability for many tenants.

The urgency of the situation is palpable, as landlords and tenants alike brace for the impact of these sweeping changes. With the rental market already under pressure, these new regulations could lead to further instability, prompting renters to share their concerns and experiences widely.

As the March deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how these new regulations will reshape the rental landscape in Ireland. What remains to be seen is whether the anticipated “stampede” of landlords exiting the market will materialize, or if the fears are unfounded.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.