Landlords Increase Tenancy Terminations by 35% in One Year

Data from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) reveals a significant rise in the number of tenancies terminated by landlords. In the third quarter of 2025, landlords issued 5,405 notices of termination, reflecting a 35 percent increase from 3,995 notices during the same period last year. The primary reason for these terminations has been the intention to sell properties.

The trend of landlords opting to sell has shown a steady increase throughout the year. The number of landlords intending to sell rose from 2,027 in the fourth quarter of 2024, to 2,518 in the first quarter of 2025, followed by 2,698 in the second quarter, and reaching 3,307 by the third quarter. This data was presented at the annual RTB conference held in Dublin on the morning of October 5, 2025.

During the conference, James Browne, the Minister for Housing, was questioned about the surge in landlords exiting the market. This inquiry coincided with the introduction of new rental laws set to take effect in March 2026, which will require minimum tenancy durations of six years. Under these new regulations, landlords will face restrictions on ending tenancies unless they experience financial hardship or require the property for personal use. Importantly, these rules will apply only to new tenancies initiated after the implementation date, not to existing agreements.

When asked if he believed the new rental laws directly contributed to the rise in landlords terminating tenancies, Minister Browne expressed skepticism. He referred to research from 2023 indicating that over a quarter of small landlords planned to exit the market within the next five years. “You’re seeing probably an element of that coming into the system,” Browne stated.

In response to a follow-up question about the possibility of adjusting the impending rules to mitigate the exodus of landlords, Browne firmly rejected the idea. He emphasized that the changes are meant to significantly increase housing supply, ultimately driving down rent prices and ensuring adequate tenancy availability for renters.

The RTB’s director, Rosemary Steen, voiced concerns regarding the trends in landlord terminations. She cautioned against drawing hasty conclusions, noting that the rental market consistently experiences landlords entering and exiting. “At least 2,000 landlords end a tenancy with the intention to sell each quarter, but this does not usually lead to a fall in registered tenancies,” Steen explained. She also highlighted that the landscape of landlords has evolved, with large landlords—those managing over 100 tenancies—now accounting for 14.2 percent of tenancies, marking a rise for nine consecutive quarters.

The increasing number of tenancy terminations raises important questions about the future of the rental market. As new regulations come into effect, the balance between landlord interests and tenant protections will likely be a focal point of discussion among policymakers and stakeholders in the housing sector.