27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
All Kerry tenancies covered under new Rent Pressure Zone law
The new legislation means that all tenancies in Kerry's electoral areas are now subject to the same rent increase restrictions applicable to tenancies, nationally. In RPZs, rent increases are capped at the level of inflation to a maximum of 2% for existing tenancies.
Prior to the latest changes, only the Killarney MD was located within a RPZ. But under new legislation initiated by Minister for Housing, James Browne, RPZ now cover the Kenmare, Corca Dhuibhne, Tralee, Castleisland and Listowel local electoral areas.
As part of recommendations included in the Review of Rent Pressure Zones Report, the extension of current Pressure Zones to a nationwide rent control system is one that government says contains a 'suite of reforms' to the rental sector. Minister Browne said protecting renters is an 'essential move' towards increased supply of housing.
'I have moved swiftly to implement national rent controls, expanding the Rent Pressure Zone framework across the entire country, in advance of sweeping changes to our rental system, and a strengthening of rental rights, from March 2026,' Minister Browne said.
'Critically, this new law immediately provides all renters with the restrictions on rent increases currently found as part of rent pressure zones, preventing increases to their rents of more than 2% or inflation, whichever is lower. These changes collectively ensure that renters in Kerry, regardless of where they live in the county, now enjoy greater stability, fairer treatment, and stronger legal protections,' he added.
The minister reiterated his view that such measures introduced will strike a fair balance, and one that provides much needed certainty for everyone.
'We have to strike a balance between landlords, renters, and the urgent need to invigorate more supply of homes, including places to rent as well as places to buy,' he said.
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday, Sinn Féin Deputy Pa Daly said the government should be 'hanging its head in shame' at the average rents in Kerry.
Deputy Daly cited a report indicating that average rents in the county are up between 13.2% and 31.7% – depending on the type of property – compared with this time in 2024.
'The Government should be hanging its head in shame when it comes to its handling of the housing crisis,' he said.
'…Rising rents should not be the punishment for government failures, and people need to see this government fix the crisis and not come up with more excuses,' Deputy Daly added.
