To make sense of this, we need to look at the different understandings of housing affordability being used in this debate, as well as the evidence on rents, supply and affordability. The new rent rules maintain the within tenancy rent caps, but landlords can now set rents at market rates when a new tenancy begins. AffordabilityThe term affordability is at the heart of our housing debate, but is seldom defined. When housing policy scholars (as well as the Opposition) think about greater affordability, they are comparing a future scenario to the present scenario. What the evidence tells usAnother source of disagreement and confusion is the relationship between increased rents, supply, and affordability.

Source: Irish Examiner April 08, 2026 01:30 UTC