Council notes 'recent increase' in tenancy terminations in Louth amid rental changes

There has been a recent increase in the number of tenancies terminated by landlords ahead of new changes to rental laws according to Louth County Council.

Legislation which allows landlords to set new tenancies at "market rent" came into effect on March 1st. 

Responding to a query from Sinn Féin councillor for Dundalk South Kevin Meenan, Director of Services with Louth County Council, Ger Murphy said the local authority has seen a "recent increase" in the number of notice to quit that have been submitted. 

However, Mr Murphy noted that the new changes don't affect existing tenancies, and said there appears to be a little bit of confusion. 

"It's a matter of government policy to ensure more secure tenancies," he said.

New tenancies from March 1st are now minimum of six-years and set out strict criteria for how landlords can end tenancies.

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Cllr Meenan said he was "pessimistic" in relation to the future of the rental market, and warned that landlords were waiting until March 1st to start new tenancies, to avail of rent resets. 

The new legislation has made the entire country is essentially a rent pressure zone, meaning rent increases during the tenancy is capped at 2% or at the rate of inflation

For example, if a landlord reviews the rent every year and the rate of general inflation is 1.5%, then the rent can only be increased by a maximum of 1.5%.

However, if the rate of general inflation is 3%, the rent can only be increased by a maximum of 2%. 

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