Rental Law Changes in Ireland: What West Cork Landlords Need to Know

Rental Law changes in Ireland. If you own or manage a rental property anywhere in West Cork — Clonakilty, Bandon, Skibbereen, or nearby — there are big changes on the way that could affect your income, flexibility, and long-term plans.

On 10 June 2025, the Government outlined a series of proposed reforms to the rental sector, designed to increase supply and attract more investment. These changes are expected to come into effect from 1 March 2026, pending legislation.

At DNG Galvin, we’ve been contacted by a growing number of landlords in West Cork who are worried about the volume of new regulation. With constant legal updates, many feel it’s becoming harder to manage property in a way that’s both fair and financially viable.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming — and our take on what it means for landlords.

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What the Rental Law Changes in Ireland 2025 Mean for West Cork Landlords

📍 RPZ Rules Will Apply Nationwide

Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) — which used to apply mainly to big cities — will now be extended across all of Ireland, including rural areas like West Cork.

💡 If your property wasn’t in an RPZ before, it likely will be soon.

📉 The 2% Rent Cap Stays for Existing Tenants

If your tenants stay in place, the current 2% annual cap on rent increases remains unchanged.

⚠️ Even if market rents have risen, you won’t be able to catch up unless a new tenancy begins — and that comes with conditions.

📈 Market Rent Will Be Allowed in New Tenancies (With Limits)

From 1 March 2026, landlords will finally be able to reset rents to market value when a new tenancy begins — provided:

• The previous tenant left voluntarily, or
• They were asked to leave because of a breach of their tenancy agreement

This is something many landlords have been asking for — a chance to charge fair market rent after a long tenancy ends.

This is a step in the right direction. Not being able to reset rent in a new tenancy was one of the biggest pain points we heard from West Cork landlords.

🔄 Rent Reviews Every 6 Years

Landlords will also be allowed to reset rents to market value every six years, even if the same tenant remains in place.

This adds long-term clarity but still ties your income to extended timelines.

🏢 More Flexibility for New-Build Apartments

Developers and landlords with new apartment builds started after 10 June 2025 won’t be subject to the 2% cap. Instead, rent increases can follow inflation (CPI).

For investors in Cork City or future developments closer to West Cork, this offers a bit more breathing room.

👥 New Definitions: Large vs Small Landlords

A new distinction is being introduced:

• Small landlords = 3 or fewer tenancies
• Large landlords = 4 or more tenancies

Large landlords will face stricter eviction rules, particularly around ending tenancies where the tenant has done nothing wrong.

🚫 “No-Fault” Evictions Will Be Removed

From March 2026, landlords cannot end a tenancy without valid legal grounds. If your tenant is fulfilling their obligations, they’ll have a right to stay.

🏠 Tighter Rules for Family Repossession

Planning to move a relative into the property? You’ll need to demonstrate urgency or hardship, and you won’t be allowed to raise the rent in a new tenancy that follows.

This could make personal or family-based use much harder in practice — especially if you rely on rental income to support your plans.

✅ Still Allowed: Selling With a Tenant in Place

The right to sell your property with a tenant in situ is unchanged. You can also terminate a tenancy if:

• The tenant has breached their obligations, or
• The property is no longer suitable for their needs

Our View from West Cork

At DNG Galvin, we’ve spoken to dozens of local landlords recently, and the message is clear: it’s becoming harder to manage a rental property without professional advice.

The pace and complexity of regulation means many feel they’re always one rule behind.

The ability to reset rents at the start of a new tenancy and every six years is a welcome update — and one that landlords have been calling for. But in our view, it doesn’t go far enough.

Viability remains a real challenge.
For private landlords to continue investing in the rental market, we believe the Government must introduce:

• Targeted financial supports, and
• Tax incentives to offset rising costs and legal obligations

Many landlords are now asking the question “Should we sell our rental property?“

Need Property Advice in West Cork about rental law changes?

We’ve been helping landlords across West Cork for over 40 years — and we’re still just a phone call away. Whether you need a property valuation, rental review, or strategic advice, we’re here to help.

📍 Local knowledge
💼 Backed by DNG’s national network
👩‍💼 Run by experienced, qualified agents & valuers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I increase rent to market value in West Cork under the new rules?
A: Yes. From March 2026, landlords in West Cork and across Ireland can reset rent to market value when a new tenancy begins — if the tenant leaves voluntarily or due to breach — or every six years.

Q: Will the 2% rent cap still apply in West Cork?
A: Yes, the 2% cap continues for existing tenants. However, the new rules allow more flexibility for rent resets at key stages.

Q: Are all landlords affected by the same rules?
A: No. The new laws define “large” landlords (4+ tenancies) and “small” landlords (3 or fewer). Larger landlords will face tighter restrictions on ending tenancies.

Q: How do RPZ rules affect landlords in West Cork now?
A: RPZs are now nationwide. That means rent caps and stricter notice periods apply unless exemptions are met.

More information available from the government website