Ireland Records 7,062 Eviction Notices in Q1 2026 Ahead of New Rental Rules
Ireland recorded a record 7,062 eviction notices in Q1 2026, a 51 percent increase, ahead of new rental rules effective March 1st. The Residential Tenancies Board noted a peak in January and February, with a downward trend emerging in March. Landlord's intent to sell was the reason in 60 percent of cases.
Ireland experienced a record number of eviction notices for rental properties in the first three months of 2026, preceding the implementation of new rental regulations in March. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) reported receiving 7,062 notices of termination during the first quarter, marking a 51 percent increase compared to the same period last year and representing the highest quarterly figure since data collection began in 2022.
The majority of these termination notices, specifically 3,138, were recorded in February, with an additional 1,998 in January and 1,926 in March. In 60 percent of these cases, the landlord's intention to sell the property was cited as the reason for termination.
Significant rental reforms, which became effective on March 1st, introduced minimum six-year tenancies and established a national cap of 2 percent on annual rent increases. Rosemary Steen, director of the RTB, characterized the surge in eviction notices as «concerning» but noted an emerging «downward trend.»
Steen stated on Thursday, «We saw a notable peak in notices of termination in January and February, before a downward trend emerged in March. While any increase is concerning, we know that short-term shifts are likely during legislative transitions, as the market responds to the new regulatory environment.» She added that April figures were not yet available but confirmed the «downward trend is continuing.» The data was released as part of a quarterly rent index published by the RTB and the Economic and Social Research Institute.