The claim does not specify whether it refers to new tenancies, existing tenancies, or market asking rents, which can show different trends due to Rent Pressure Zone regulations that cap increases on existing tenancies.
The Daft.ie Q1 2026 report was formally published on 20 May 2026, two days after the MEP's speech; however, the underlying data (Q1 2026) predates the session and similar trends were already visible in earlier reports (RTB Q3 2025, Irish Times February 2026 coverage).
The claim omits the impact of new tenancy rules introduced in early 2026 that may have temporarily accelerated rent increases as landlords adjusted prices before the new regulations took full effect.
Sources
PrimaryResidential Tenancies Board (RTB) Rent Index Q3 2025The standardised average rent for existing tenancies was highest in Dublin City at €1,876 in Q3 2025. In Dublin, the year-on-year growth rate for new tenancies stood at 4.4 per cent in Q3 2025.
SecondaryThe Irish TimesRents in Ireland surged by the highest level on record after new tenancy rules took effect. Average monthly rent nationwide for a two-bedroom apartment was €2,176 in the first quarter of 2026. Market rents rose by 4.4% between December and March — equivalent to the entire increase recorded over the whole of 2025.
SecondaryRTÉ NewsThe Daft.ie report shows that market rents in the first quarter of 2026 were up 10% year-on-year in Dublin, with a sharp increase in rent prices as new rules took effect.
SecondaryIrish IndependentRenters hit by record hikes just before new rules came in. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: Dublin city centre €2,828; Dublin south county €2,609; Dublin west €2,502.
SecondaryThe Irish TimesSupply of homes to rent in February hits by far its lowest level in 20 years. Rents across the State increased by 4.4% last year, up from an inflation rate of 3.6% in 2024.