Free RPZ Rent Increase Calculator Ireland

Why RPZs Were Introduced

Rent Pressure Zones were created by the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 and subsequently strengthened by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Acts 2019 and 2021. They target areas — mainly urban centres — where rents had risen rapidly above the national average, making housing unaffordable for many workers and families.

The RTB reviews which local electoral divisions qualify as RPZs every quarter, and the Minister for Housing can designate new areas where rents exceed the national average by more than 7% and where annual rent inflation exceeds 7%.

The CPI Mechanism Explained

From 1 March 2026, the annual cap is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), All-Items, published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This replaced the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) used before that date, and the RTB updates the figure as new CPI data is published.

The cap is calculated on a pro-rata basis: if you are reviewing rent after 18 months, you apply 18 months' worth of CPI growth (or 18 months at 2% per year if that is lower). This calculator handles the pro-rata logic automatically.

Serving a Valid Rent Review Notice

A valid rent review notice under the Residential Tenancies Act must:

• Be in writing

• State the new rent amount

• State the date from which the new rent applies (minimum 90 days from notice)

• State the amount of the current rent

• Confirm the rent is in line with the RPZ cap (if applicable)

• Reference the CPI figure used for the calculation

Exemptions from the RPZ Cap

Certain properties may be exempt from the RPZ rent cap if they have been substantially improved or refurbished. The landlord must certify the substantial works and the RTB has specific criteria — including minimum cost thresholds relative to the property value. Always verify with the RTB or a solicitor before assuming an exemption applies.