Landlords Exit Ireland’s Market, Raising Concerns for Tenants

As small landlords continue to exit Ireland’s rental market, government officials are being urged to take immediate action. The Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) will inform the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage today that this trend should serve as a “red alert” for policymakers. With rental prices at record highs, the loss of small landlords means that “honourable, decent tenants” could face significant challenges in securing housing.

Recent data from the Residential Tenancies Board revealed alarming trends. In the third quarter of 2025, there was a 35% increase in Notices of Termination issued by landlords. Additionally, the number of landlords in the market decreased by 1,820 from the fourth quarter of 2024 to Q3 2025, with 1,381 of those landlords managing only one tenancy.

Concerns Raised Over Tenant Impact

IPAV’s findings indicate that the trend of landlords exiting the market is accelerating. According to a survey conducted with its members, 74% reported observing an increasing rate of departures among landlords. More than 58% of respondents noted that very few investors are entering the rental market, with 40% stating that none are doing so. Nearly 61% reported a decrease in rental availability, while only 1.41% described demand as weak. In stark contrast, 94% indicated strong demand for rental properties.

Genevieve McGuirk, Chief Executive of IPAV, will emphasize to the Committee that the departure of private landlords is troubling, especially during a time of soaring rents. She pointed out that national policies have increasingly portrayed small private landlords as “dispensable.” According to McGuirk, many landlords initially viewed providing housing as a viable short- to medium-term option, benefiting both themselves and tenants, particularly students and workers.

Policy Shifts and Their Consequences

McGuirk also noted a significant policy shift following the financial crisis, where the government has delegated much of the responsibility for social housing to the private sector, including supports like Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). However, she argues that regulations have made it less appealing for small landlords to operate, leading to a situation where the state must once again take on a larger role in social housing provision.

As discussions continue regarding the upcoming Residential Tenancies Amendment No. 2 Bill, the implications of these trends are becoming increasingly urgent. The potential loss of small landlords could exacerbate an already challenging rental market, leaving many tenants in precarious situations.

With the government set to engage in further scrutiny of these issues, the call for immediate action from IPAV highlights the critical need for balanced policies that support both landlords and tenants. As the landscape of the rental market shifts, the stakes for all involved are higher than ever.