Robert Besser
20 May 2025

DUBLIN, Ireland: The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is set to investigate persistently high rents in Co Galway after detecting "unusual" trends in its latest rental index.

The RTB noted that Galway had experienced eight consecutive quarters of significant rent increases for new tenancies despite being designated as a rent pressure zone where annual rent hikes are capped at two percent.

According to the RTB, the average rent for new tenancies nationally rose by 5.5 percent year-on-year to 1,680 euros in the final quarter of 2024. For existing tenancies, the increase was 4.6 percent, bringing the average to 1,440 euros. The board described the figures as a "moderation" from the higher rent increases recorded earlier in the year.

The RTB also announced sanctions against eight Galway landlords for breaches of rental laws, with fines ranging from 200 euros to 4,400 euros for violating rent pressure zone rules. Additionally, the board imposed 28 other sanctions against landlords nationwide, including a 22,000 euro fine against Sweet Home Accommodation Ltd for failing to register tenancies at properties on Lower Leeson Street, Middle Abbey Street, and Upper Abbey Street in Dublin.

Rosemary Steen, director of the RTB, said the sanctions underscored the board's commitment to enforcing rental regulations. "The new Rent Index data has flagged unusual patterns of rental inflation in Galway, and we are engaging directly with stakeholders in the county to address it," she said.

Dr Rachel Slaymaker, research officer at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), noted that while rent increases for new tenancies had slowed nationally, price rises remained "persistently high" in certain counties, including Galway.