Protections against evictions and rent increases for tenants are expected to be extended by six months in a memo being brought to Cabinet on Wednesday.
People who have been financially hit by Covid-19 and are in arrears will benefit under the extension of the legislation - it was due to expire on July 12.
The legislation is expected to be extended until January 2022, if the Bill is passed.
The Rental Protection Bill will also restrict rental deposits/upfront payments upon tenancy commencement.
For example, any deposit and advance rent to a total value that does not exceed 2 months’ rent and to restrict any advance rent to cover the forthcoming month only.
Opposition parties have highlighted that thousands of tenants who live in rent pressure zones are facing a 8% rent hike from next month due to landlords using a loophole in the law to double the 4% annual rise as a rent freeze was in place last year due to the pandemic.
Under legislation in 2016, a landlord is entitled to increase rent by 8% in a RPZ if they didn't raise rent by the allowable 4% the previous year.
Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is expected to bring legislation to the Dáil in the Autumn that would seek to reform the rental market.
Rent pressure zones are due to expire at the end of this year.
Sinn Fein are putting the government under pressure to introduce the new measures before the Dáil rises for summer recess at the end of July.
