144. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has undertaken or commissioned any analysis of trends in landlord exits, reductions in rental listings or changes in small landlord participation following the introduction of rent regulation measures, including rent pressure zones and the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026; if he will provide details of any available findings, including regional trends where available, in tabular form; the measures being considered to prevent further loss of rental supply while maintaining tenant protections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37528/26]

Sentiment score: -0.17

Has the Department commissioned an analysis of trends in landlord exits, reductions in rental listings or changes in small landlord participation following the introduction of rent regulation measures? I am cautiously optimistic that this will be a blip. Will the Minister provide details of available findings or regional trends where available?

Sentiment score: 0.11

It would be fantastic if we could and I hope we can. The housing crisis needs this. The RTB’s own data is telling us about the small landlords, those with one or two properties, who are leaving the market at an accelerating rate. To touch on the [vacant above the shop grant], I welcome the scheme and the work that has been done but I wish to ask a question about it because it does need to be re-examined. I know from speaking to the Department that it is currently being introduced and there may be amendments to it. The provision of €95,000 for one unit, €115,000 for two units and €135,000 for three or more units is meaningful, but I would love it to be re-examined for more than three units. It needs to be raised. If we are trying to increase supply, the jump should not be so small. If we are trying to bring back Dublin city, we need to enable people to build above shops.

Sentiment score: 0.22

If we are trying to increase supply, the grant should be more beneficial when more units are being built. I was a councillor in Dublin city. I understand that the vacant and derelict register need to be updated. I am asking for an urgent review. Regarding the company ownership restriction on the vacant above the shop grant, the Minister acknowledged, which I welcome, that passive surveillance by people living above shops reduces antisocial behaviour. That would be very beneficial. People I represent are waiting for these homes. They are my generation. It would be especially good if we could put in, in conjunction with the regulations, encouragements for people in critical jobs such as those working in Beaumont Hospital, gardaí and nurses because those places above the shops across my constituency could house them. The policy needs to catch up to that reality and I am asking for that to happen. I swayed away from the original question, so I appreciate the leniency.

Sentiment score: 0.31