What New Legislation Means For Small Landlords

In this episode of the Keep It Simple series, we examine the significant changes to Irish tenancy legislation taking effect from 1st March 2026, with a particular focus on how they impact small landlords—defined as those owning three or fewer rental properties.

Clare breaks down what the introduction of the Six-Year Tenancy Rule means in practical terms, including the automatic conversion of all new tenancies into six-year leases, even where the written contract specifies a shorter term. She also outlines the limited grounds for termination during this period, such as moving in a close family member, selling the property, or experiencing significant financial or health difficulties.

We explore the implications for rent reviews, including the annual cap of 2% under RPZ rules (or inflation for qualifying new builds), and the restrictions on reverting to market rent—even for long-term tenancies—unless the lease ends and a new agreement is signed.

Clare also explains the compliance requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and the serious penalties for breaches of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) rules, which may include fines of up to €30,000.

Whether you’re currently managing a rental or planning to enter the market, this episode provides essential insights into how the legislation will reshape the rights and responsibilities of small landlords in Ireland from 2026 onwards.