Minister for Housing James Browne has said he will "investigate what's happening" after dozens of Wexford households in a single estate received eviction notices.
On Friday, 36 households in the Hazelwood estate in Bridgetown, Co Wexford received a notice of termination of tenancy from their landlord.
That means they do not benefit from the increased protections against eviction in the Residential Tenancies Act 2026 which came into effect on Sunday.
Minister Browne - who represents the area - said there has been "misinformation" which he said is "insinuating this move by the landlord is a 'reaction' to the new rental rules".
"I am very concerned by some of the reports over the weekend from tenants in this estate in Bridgetown and I won’t stand for it," the minister said in a statement.
Mr Browne has "spoken directly" to the head of the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board).
The National Head of Disputes is on the way down "in-person" to meet residents "and investigate what’s happening here", he said.
"Everything is being examined to understand how tenants’ rights may be impacted."
The minister said that "existing tenants have rights - and the landlord has responsibilities, under existing legislation".
"Landlords cannot reset rent for a new tenancy if the previous one ended via a ‘no-fault eviction’ within the last 2 years, even in the case where there has been a sale to a new landlord," he said.
"I am monitoring this situation very closely as we gather the facts.
"I will ensure that tenants rights are applied fully for the tenants concerned. No landlord can use the new rental rules, which are for newly formed tenancies, as an excuse to evict their current tenants."
