The proposal to designate the entire country as a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) is gaining momentum, with plans to implement this change before the Dáil adjourns for its summer break in mid-July.

Minister for Housing, James Browne, is actively working on legislative measures to make this a reality and is aiming for a swift enactment of the new law.

Despite opposition from various parties on other rental reforms introduced by the Government, it is expected that they will support the fast-tracking of the RPZ expansion.

Under this new plan, all rent increases would be capped at 2% annually or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. Currently, about 20% of tenancies fall outside of RPZs and are not subject to this cap.

The expedited legislation would prevent landlords in non-RPZ areas from raising rents above the stipulated limit before the law is officially changed.

Following the recent Cabinet decision, Minister Browne has signaled a prompt action to declare the entire country as an RPZ.

Key Points:

• Opposition parties likely to support the RPZ extension
• Sinn Féin calls for immediate implementation of the measure
• Government urged to reconsider other proposed changes to RPZs

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald urged for the immediate implementation of the RPZ designation, expressing her party's commitment to work through any necessary sessions to achieve this goal.

Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin criticized the Government for making last-minute changes under pressure from the Opposition, highlighting the risks faced by renters outside of RPZs. He emphasized the need to focus on protecting tenants and preventing substantial rent hikes.

While welcoming the accelerated timeline for the RPZ extension, Sinn Féin continues to advocate for the abandonment of other proposed RPZ changes that could weaken existing safeguards and lead to significant rent increases for many tenants.