I'm a small landlord. I want to re-let my apartment from 1 March 2026. What new rules will apply? - Rental market reforms

Cillian is living abroad and wishes to re-let his apartment on 1 March 2026. It is his only property, Cillian is a smaller landlord with three or fewer tenancies in rental accommodation.

What new rules will apply?

• For tenancies starting on or after 1 March 2026, rent can match market value. This applies if the tenant ended a previous tenancy or broke obligations.
• Rent can only rise with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), capped at 2% each year.
• If the tenancy continues, rent can be adjusted to market value at the end of Year 6.
• If his tenants do not breach their obligations and limited circumstances do not apply, Cillian, as a smaller landlord, will have to wait until the end of Year 6 if he wishes to terminate their Part 4 tenancy under the limited grounds for termination.
• Cillian can only end the tenancy during the 6-year period if he needs to avoid hardship, to be defined in law, or he or his immediate family, spouse/civil partner/child/parent, need the accommodation.