Bridgetown, Co Wexford — The Residential Tenancies Board has been asked to investigate eviction notices served on 36 households in a Wexford housing estate just days before landmark new rental protections came into force, Housing Minister James Browne has confirmed.
The 36 households at Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown, Co Wexford, received notices of termination of tenancy on Friday, two days before the Residential Tenancies Act 2026 officially came into effect on Sunday. The timing means the affected tenants fall outside the enhanced protections introduced under the new legislation.
The case has drawn significant public and political attention, raising concerns that landlords may be exploiting a narrow window before new tenant protections kick in.
RTB Investigation Launched
Minister Browne confirmed he referred the matter to the RTB immediately after becoming aware of the situation.
“I had no difficulty bringing this to the attention of the RTB. They have a role to make sure the system is not being gamed,” he said.
He added that the RTB’s head of enforcement visited the estate on Monday, with the regulator continuing its on-the-ground assessment since.
“I know the head of enforcement went down there on Monday, and the RTB has been down there since,” Browne said.
The RTB will now determine on a case-by-case basis whether each notice of termination complies with existing tenancy law and whether any enforcement action is required.
“The RTB assesses all of these situations on a case-by-case basis,” the minister confirmed.
Minister Distances Notices From New Legislation
Despite the timing, Minister Browne said he does not believe the eviction notices are directly connected to the introduction of the new rental protections.
He stressed, however, that the investigation is necessary to ensure the law had been properly applied and that tenants are not left without recourse.
“Right across the country, we have beefed up the RTB, and the RTB will ensure that tenants’ rights are protected, and that is essential that we see that happen,” he said.
Tenants in a Vulnerable Position
Browne acknowledged the significant power imbalance that often exists between tenants and landlords in disputes of this kind.
“Tenants are in a very vulnerable position when you balance against landlords, who very often are well funded, have access to a lot of information and power,” he said.
“The RTB is doing its job here, and I’m glad to see that they have stepped in,” he added.
Broader Context
The Hazelwood case emerged less than a week after Ireland’s sweeping new rental rules took effect on 1 March, introducing six-year tenancy terms, reformed rent resets and strengthened protections for renters across the country.
The case also comes as homelessness in Ireland surpassed 17,000 for the first time earlier this month, with housing advocates warning that enforcement of tenant protections is as critical as the legislation itself.
The RTB investigation is expected to clarify whether the Hazelwood notices comply with existing tenancy legislation and whether further action will follow.
This article is based on statements made by Minister James Browne. This is a developing story and will be updated as further information becomes available.
