A new report is warning against the introduction of rent controls as a means of addressing problems in the private rental sector.
The Private Residential Tenancies Board has found that the Dublin market in particular is characterised by a strong increase in rents, as demand outstrips supply.
But, the PRTB said rent controls would exacerbate the issue for tenants and could lead to tens of thousands of rented properties leaving the system.
Instead it recommends a cut in the tax burden on landlords and a code of conduct between lenders, landlords and tenants when buy-to-let mortgages fall into arrears.