Darragh O'Brien

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said the RTB had been asked by housing minister Darragh O’Brien to “aggressively identify and pursue non-compliance with rent-setting responsibilities”.

The RTB’s rent index report for Q2 2021, published yesterday, shows that nationally rents grew by seven per cent year-on-year in this period, the highest national growth rate seen since Q1 2019.

The Department said the growth rate “could indicate a concerning level of non-compliance with the legislation”.

Mr O’Brien said: “Rent pressure zones are located in parts of the country where rents are highest and rising, and where households have the greatest difficulty finding affordable accommodation.

“They are an essential pillar of rental policy and the impact of not complying with these measures can have severe knock-on effects – it is essential that people understand that non-adherence to RPZ legislation is a serious offence.

“In this context, I have called upon the RTB ensure that their full powers and resources are brought to bear in initiating and executing a robust and thorough campaign to identify non-compliance and breaches in RPZ rent increase restrictions and related procedures, including those related to rent reviews and notification of exemptions from the restrictions.

“My officials and I intend to work intensively with the RTB to raise awareness of rent setting responsibilities and, indeed, the sanctions that can be imposed if those responsibilities are not adhered to.”