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Housing · Ireland
Updated September 2026

📈 My rent increase seems too high — can I object, and to whom?

Direct answer

Rent increases are regulated almost everywhere: a maximum percentage per year, a reference index, or a rent cap in tense areas, plus a written notice with a minimum lead time. Do not just pay it. Object in writing to the landlord citing the rule, then ask Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) (0818 303 037) to check or decide — the tenancy body for Ireland does this for free or a small fee. Threshold (1800 454 454) tells you the current cap and helps you write. If the landlord threatens termination for refusing, Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) advises on your protection.

Call firstResidential Tenancies Board (RTB)
Report toThreshold
If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"I received your notice of [date] increasing the rent from [amount] to [amount] from [date]. This exceeds the permitted increase of [rule]. I do not accept it. I will continue to pay [current / permitted amount] and refer the notice to Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for review."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check the noticeWritten, with the new amount, the date, the basis. Missing any of these usually makes it invalid.
  2. Check the capIndex, percentage or local rent cap — Threshold publishes the current figure. Many increases are simply above it.
  3. Object in writingCite the rule. Keep paying the old (or permitted) rent — never nothing.
  4. Ask Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to decideFree or cheap; the decision fixes the lawful rent and binds the landlord.
  5. Threats? Legal Aid Board / FLACRefusing an unlawful increase is never a ground for eviction.

📇 All contacts

Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)Dispute resolution for deposits, free adjudicationWhen the landlord has not returned it within a reasonable time📞 0818 303 037🔗 www.rtb.ie
ThresholdFree housing advice charityBefore you write, and for the wording📞 1800 454 454🔗 www.threshold.ie
Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie
District Court — small claimsClaims up to €2,000 without a solicitorWhen the other side is not a landlord under RTB rules🔗 www.courts.ie/small-claims

❓ Frequently asked

Can the rent go up every year?

Usually at most once a year and within the cap. Some countries freeze rents for the first year of a contract.

I signed a contract with an indexation clause

Indexation is allowed but limited to the official index and often to a maximum; the clause cannot exceed the law.

What if I already paid the higher rent?

You can reclaim the excess for the past months, in most countries up to several years back, through Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “rent increase maximum Ireland”
  • “object to rent increase”
  • “rent cap tenant rights Ireland”
  • “landlord increased rent too much”
  • “rent tribunal increase”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚪Eviction notice→🔑Deposit not returned→🔊Noisy neighbours→🔧Landlord won't repair→

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