Guide to rent setting notices

This page provides a step-by-step guide to help landlords set rent correctly.

There are 5 stages in the rent setting process.

Step 1: Check rent control rules

Before you begin, you need to identify the rent setting rule that applies to your tenancy. The amount you can increase rent by when setting rent depends on:

The date the tenancy started
If you meet the criteria to set rent to market rent

Use the table below to find the rules that apply to your tenancy:

	Annual increases allowed	Re-setting to market rent
Private tenancy started before 1 March 2026	-Every 12 months -2% or rate of inflation (CPI), whichever is lower	-Not allowed
Private tenancy started after 1 March 2026	-Every 12 months -2% or rate of inflation (CPI), whichever is lower	-Allowed at beginning of new tenancy, except after a ‘no-fault termination’ -Allowed at end of 6-year tenancy cycle
New private apartment where construction commenced after 10 June 2025	-Every 12 months -In line with rate of inflation (CPI). No 2% cap applies	-Allowed at beginning of new tenancy, except after a ‘no-fault termination’ -Allowed at end of 6-year tenancy cycle
Student specific accommodation (SSA)	-Every 12 months -2% or rate of inflation (CPI), whichever is lower	-Allowed once every 3 years from 1 March 2029
New SSA apartment where construction commenced after 10 June 2025	-Every 12 months -In line with rate of inflation (CPI). No 2% cap applies	-Allowed once every 3 years from 1 March 2029

Step 2: Calculate new rent

Choose the correct route to calculate your rent and follow the instructions.

Route 1: My rent increase is capped

First, use the RTB Rent Calculator to calculate the maximum rent increase allowed. This link will open in a new tab in your web browser.

Go to RTB Rent Calculator

Next, visit the RTB Rent Register to confirm that your rent setting is not above market rent. You will need examples of rent paid for three similar properties.

Go to RTB Rent Register

Make sure to save a printout of the RTB Rent Calculator and RTB Rent Register results. You will need to submit this with your rent setting notice.

Route 2: I can set to market rent

Market rent is the amount a tenant would reasonably pay a landlord for a similar home in a comparable area at the time the tenancy begins. From 1 March 2026, if you are setting to market rent you must:

Give your tenant a statement that the new rent is not above market rent
Include details of rent paid for three similar properties from the RTB Rent Register in your statement.

To begin, visit the RTB Rent Register to find comparable rents. This link will open in a new tab in your browser.

Go to RTB Rent Register

Make sure to save a printout of the RTB Rent Register results. You will need to submit this with your rent setting notice.

Step 3: Complete rent setting form

Download a copy of the Notice of Rent Setting template. When you click on the link, it will open in a new tab in your web browser.

Download a rent setting notice

Complete the notice and save a digital copy in .PDF format.

Make sure you also collect and save all other documents that should accompany your rent setting notice. For example, a printout from the RTB Rent Register or RTB Rent Calculator.

Step 4: Send to your tenant and the RTB

You must send the notice to your tenant and the RTB at the start of the tenancy.

You can send it to your tenant by post or email. If you send it by post, we recommend that you keep a record of postage.

To submit it to the RTB, log in to the RTB Service Centre and upload your notice. When you click on the link, it will open in a new tab in your web browser.

Go to RTB Service Centre

If you cannot submit the notice online, you can post it to: Residential Tenancies Board, PO Box 13841, Freepost FKY7736, Killorglin, Co Kerry.

Step 5: Add rent details to your tenancy registration record

Log in to your Tenancy Registration Account and make sure that the rent details are updated on your registration record. This link will open in a new tab in your web browser.

Go to Tenancy Registration Account

Please note – when you submit your rent setting notice through the RTB Service Centre, this will not automatically update your tenancy registration record. Landlords are responsible for ensuring their tenancy registration record is accurate and up to date.

All tenancies must be registered with the RTB within 30 days of the tenancy start date.