Government Rent Reform 2026: Why It’s Time to Rethink Buy-to-Let.

In response to the Irish Government’s recently announced Rental Market Reforms - due to take effect in March 2026 - we at RentFlow believe the time has come for landlords and retirement income investors to reconsider how they invest in property.

With stricter tenancy controls, national rent caps, and reduced landlord flexibility, the traditional buy-to-let model is no longer fit for purpose - especially for small investors relying on property as a passive income stream.

But this is not the end of property as a retirement asset.

In fact, it’s the beginning of a new era - where professional, well-managed, and income-assured property investments like RentFlow become the smarter, more sustainable way forward.

"Better performance, lower risk, and none of the landlord hassle. 

That’s what sets RentFlow apart."

What’s Changing from March 2026?

The Government’s reforms introduce:

• Mandatory 6-year Tenancy Minimum Durations (TMDs)

• New restrictions on terminating tenancies, especially for landlords with 4+ properties

• Nationwide rent controls, with CPI-linked increases and a 2% cap during high inflation

• Limited rent resets, even after tenants leave

• Stricter rules around sales and vacant possession

These measures are designed to stabilise the rental market and protect tenants - but they place significant new burdens on private landlords, particularly smaller, retirement-focused investors.

Our View: 'This is a Structural Shift and a Strategic Opportunity'

These reforms confirm what we’ve long believed: the rental market is evolving, and the future lies in professionally managed, long-term property investment models - not DIY landlordism.

For over 4 years, RentFlow has anticipated this shift, building a fully-managed property platform that’s:

• Structured for income, not speculation, with over €1.9 million paid out to investors

• Ideal for ARF investors and retirement drawdown strategies

• Free from tenant management, repairs, or regulatory exposure

• Delivered via Financial Advisors, making it simple to include as part of a diversified retirement portfolio.

"RentFlow is an advisor-led investment - enabling financial advisors to confidently include property as part of a client's retirement income plan"

What Does This Mean for Landlords?

Many small landlords are now considering an exit - not because they don’t believe in property, but because the cost, complexity and compliance risks are growing too large.

At RentFlow, we’re helping these investors stay in the property market - without the landlord role.

We offer a way to:

• Reallocate proceeds from a property sale into a fully-managed rental portfolio

• Maintain a strong, stable income stream, with fixed monthly payouts

• Avoid the risks of future regulation, tenant turnover, and reduced control

• Stay exposed to high-demand Dublin property, without managing it yourself

• Diversify your income across multiple properties instead of one buy-to-let tenant

A New Way Forward for Retirement Property Investors

We believe these reforms will professionalise the market - and in doing so, will reward investors who adopt structures like ours.

RentFlow is the future of property investing in retirement. Better performance. Lower risk. None of the landlord hassle.

KEY BENEFIT	RENTFLOW	BUY-TO-LET
Better Performance	✔ Fixed 5% net yield (no fees or costs) ✔ Lower capital required to earn €1,000/month (€240K vs. €350K–€375K) ✔ Fully passive returns	❌ Net yield of 4% after costs ❌ Higher capital required ❌ Earnings impacted by expenses and vacancies
Lower Risk	✔ Diversified across multiple properties ✔ Defined 3-year term with clear exit or rollover option	❌ Single property risk ❌ Uncertain exit timing (selling takes time)
None of the Landlord Hassle	✔ No tenant management, repairs, RTB compliance ✔ No property management fees ✔ Completely hands-off	❌ Must manage tenants or pay for management ❌ Responsible for all landlord duties ❌ Ongoing admin and stress

If you’re advising clients on their ARFs or personal retirement plans, or if you’re a landlord exploring next steps - RentFlow is here to help you transition from active management to passive, consistent, property-backed income.

Lets Talk

If you’re a landlord, broker, or financial adviser looking to understand how RentFlow works, we’d be happy to talk.

Visit us at www.rentflow.ie or email conorearley@rentflow.ie for more information

Contact us

T: +353 (0) 1 961 9413

E: info@rentflow.ie

A: The Masonry Building, 151-156 Thomas St., Dublin 8, Ireland