Rent pressure zones (RPZs), which have been in place to control rent increases, will be ending in December of this year. However, it’s crucial to understand how RPZs work and their implications for landlords until their expiration.
One of the factors determining both the amount of rent landlords can initially charge and how much it can be increased over time is whether or not your property is located in a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ).
Breaching RPZ legislation may lead to a criminal conviction.
So what is a RPZ?
In a nutshell, a RPZ is an area where rents are controlled. In 2016, when it was first introduced, rents could not be increased by more than 4% per year. More recently (July 2021) the legislation has been amended to limit increases to the general level of inflation, using the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP).
Where are the RPZs?
Areas are designated as RPZs where rents are rising and people are finding it increasingly difficult to source affordable accommodation. There are many parts of the country with most larger towns and cities included in the list. Although no new areas have been added since 2020, the list is frequently reviewed.
To check if your property is in a RPZ input your property address into the RTB Calculator or visit the listing on the RTB Website.
Are there exemptions to RPZs?
A property where there has been no tenancy in place in the last 2 years or a protected structure that has been vacant for the last year may be exempt from the RPZ rules. If you have completed a substantial renovation to your property, you may also be able to qualify for an exemption although this has been harder to prove.
What do RPZ’s mean for landlords?
Regardless of the property location, all landlords must follow certain procedures when setting & reviewing rents. These rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act.
For a property located in an RPZ, the rent set cannot exceed the local market rents of similar properties, nor can it be more than general inflation (as per the HICP).
For a new tenancy you must provide the following information to the tenant in writing:
– The date that rent was last set
– The amount of rent that was last set (ie what the previous tenant was paying)
– A statement as to how the rent was set using the Rent Pressure Zone calculator
A tenancy, regardless of its location, can only be subject to a rent review after 24 months. After this, rent reviews can be undertaken every 12 months. All rent reviews must follow the rules, including giving a minimum of 90 days’ notice and using the “Rent Review” form.
Property Management Dublin
KPM is a leading property management company based in Ireland. Founded in 2005, KPM has over 15 years of experience in the residential and commercial real estate sectors. With a team of dedicated professionals, KPM provides comprehensive property management services to landlords, property investors, and homeowner associations across the country.
At KPM, our mission is to deliver exceptional service and maximize the value of our clients’ properties. We understand the complexities of property management and strive to make the process seamless for our clients. Our services include tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, compliance with landlord-tenant laws, and financial reporting.
What sets KPM apart is our commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest industry regulations and market trends. We pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of the Irish rental market, including rent pressure zones, tenant rights, and landlord obligations. Our team is well-versed in the Residential Tenancies Act and ensures that our clients’ properties are managed in compliance with all legal requirements.
