Taoiseach vows new rent controls will be sanctioned by July
Rent controls are being extended to the fifth of tenancies not already covered by Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) regulations.
Under the new regulations, RPZs will change to a nationwide rent control system.
RPZs until now only extended to specific areas of high demand where rent increases were capped at a maximum of 2pc per annum.
Introduced to tackle spiralling rents amid Ireland's housing shortage, RPZs had been due to expire by December 31.
Now, the system will be extended and will effectively operate on a nationwide basis.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the measures had attracted widespread support.
"First of all, the measures have been broadly welcomed by people who are engaged in the housing sector and the housing industry," he said.
"I think the Opposition didn't expect the measures we brought in in terms of the protections (offered)."
"This measure will come before the Government – it will have to go through the legislature – that depends on the Oireachtas."
"But the aim is to have it done before the summer recess and that's just one aspect of what was an important series of reforms which were necessary."
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Mr Martin said the measures were being implemented to address issues within the accommodation sector.
Under the changes, a further 11 counties will benefit from the controls offered by the RPZ regime.
"They had to happen because of the fact we were looking at the expiry deadline for the existing framework at the end of the year and which the Housing Commission and then the Housing Agency – following that the Housing Commission did a review on all of this – both recommended change."
"So steady as it goes," he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Coalition was committed to taking "big and bold decisions" on housing in a bid to increase supply and control costs for families.
Housing Minister James Browne will introduce the legislation this week.
Mr Harris said while it was an interim bill, it could be called emergency legislation.
The Tánaiste said the measures underlined just how seriously the Government regarded the issue of housing.
Ireland's Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) warned that between 35,000 and 53,000 new homes are now required on an annual basis to cope with Ireland's accommodation need.
The rent controls measures are being introduced amid fears Ireland will miss its house construction target in 2025.
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