‘We’re seeing eviction rates not seen in Ireland since the 1850s’
Ireland’s Rental Crisis: Echoes of the Past and a Precarious Future
The number of eviction notices issued in Ireland is drawing comparisons to historical crises, raising concerns about the future of housing security. Recent data reveals a significant increase in notices, prompting questions about the sustainability of the current rental system and the potential for wider social and political consequences.
A Surge in Eviction Notices: 2023-2025
Figures from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) demonstrate a worrying trend. In the third quarter of 2025, 5,405 notices of termination were issued, a 35% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The total number of notices issued in 2023 was 19,011, followed by 16,546 in 2024, and 14,826 in the first three quarters of 2025. Current trends suggest the 2025 total will be similar to, or slightly exceed, the 2023 level. This isn’t a temporary spike, but a sustained pattern of displacement.
Why Are Tenants Being Evicted?
A key driver of these evictions isn’t rent arrears or tenant misconduct. Between 2022 and 2025, 61% of notices were issued because landlords intended to sell the property. This suggests a fundamental issue: many property owners no longer view the rental system as financially viable. As smaller landlords exit the market, properties are frequently being transferred to owner-occupation, further tightening the rental supply.
Historical Parallels: The 19th Century Experience
Ireland has a long history of evictions. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, evictions were a defining social and political issue, stemming from extreme inequality in land ownership. Before the Famine, there were, on average, 5,000 civil bill ejectment cases annually, with over two-thirds resulting in eviction decrees. During the Great Famine, legislation exacerbated the problem, leading to the displacement of potentially over half a million people.
While household sizes were larger in the 19th century (an average of 4.85 people displaced per eviction between 1849 and 1880, compared to 2.74 in 2021), a comparison of eviction rates relative to the number of households reveals a concerning similarity. The modern eviction rate, based on RTB data, is roughly one notice per 100 households, comparable to rates seen during the Land War (1879-1882).
Ireland in the International Context
Ireland’s eviction situation appears more acute than in many other Western European countries. OECD data indicates that less than 1% of renter households are subject to eviction orders annually in countries like the UK, Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Roughly 3% to 4% of renter households in Ireland receive a notice of termination each year, suggesting a higher proportion of renters face the prospect of leaving their homes.
New Rental Rules and Market Dynamics
New rental rules are due to come into force next month (March 2026) allowing landlords to set rents at market rates when a tenant leaves a property. This, combined with the prospect of longer-term tenancies, has reportedly encouraged some smaller landlords to exit the market, contributing to the recent surge in eviction notices.
What Does the Future Hold?
The current situation raises questions about the long-term stability of the Irish rental market. The scale of displacement is prompting a re-evaluation of the system, with some suggesting a need for fundamental changes in property relations, similar to the reforms enacted in response to historical eviction crises. The increasing frequency of evictions is transitioning from an unfortunate byproduct of the market to a sign of systemic failure in providing housing security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Notice of Termination?
A: A written notice from a landlord informing a tenant that their tenancy is ending. The RTB provides a guide on Notices of Termination.
Q: What rights do tenants have in Ireland?
A: Landlord and tenant rights are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended. Your rights and obligations are also outlined in your lease agreement.
Q: How long does a landlord have to give notice?
A: The notice period depends on the length of the tenancy, as per the Residential Tenancies Act 2015.
Q: What if my landlord wants me to leave without a reason?
A: If your tenancy has lasted less than 6 months, your landlord can ask you to leave without giving a reason.
Q: Where can I find more information about my rights as a tenant?
A: Resources are available from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), Citizens Information, and Know Your Rental Rights.
Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the Residential Tenancies Board’s resources to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Did you know? The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 was the first major development in relation to Eviction laws in Ireland.
To stay informed about developments in Irish rental law, explore resources from the RTB and Citizens Information. Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.