No relief in sight for Meath's renters as latest index shows 7 per cent annual increase

According to the latest Rent Index from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), in the April-June period (Q2) of 2019, the standardised national average rent was €1,202 per month, up from €1,123 one year earlier (€79 increase). On a quarter-on-quarter basis, rents grew nationally by 3% in Q2 2019.
Meath was one of seven counties where the standardised average rent exceeds (or equals) €1,000 per month – the others are Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth and Wicklow.

The RTB Rent Index, which is compiled in conjunction with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), is the authoritative guide to the Irish rental market. It is based on actual rents paid on 19,047 tenancies registered with the RTB in the quarter.

Following referral from the Housing Agency and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, the RTB, using the Q2 2019 Rent Index has confirmed to Minister Murphy that two Local Electoral Areas (LEAs), Macroom LEA and Carlow LEA meet the designation criteria. As a result, these LEAs will be designated Rent Pressure Zones as of today, 26th September 2019.

Commenting on the latest Rent Index Report, Rosalind Carroll, Director of the Residential Tenancies Board said;

“We know Rent Pressure Zones are having an impact at an individual level. The RTB is supporting compliance through public awareness campaigns, online resources and information.

"However, there is no one quick fix for the rental sector and regulation is only part of the answer. The market is complex, our research illustrates this and we will be working with the ESRI to gain further insights into the factors driving rent inflation. It is important that policy is informed by the most accurate information in order to avoid any unintended consequences. It is really important that landlords and tenants go to www.rtb.ie where they can check if their rental home is in a Rent Pressure Zone and what rent can be charged.”