The number of people accessing emergency homeless accommodation has reached a new high.

However, Housing Minister James Browne said rent reforms increase protections for renters.

Rent can be still be raised annually by 2 per cent or the rate of inflation, and can be reset to market rent every six years.

Landlords will be expected to self-assess whether rents they set truly reflect market rates under the Government’s rental reforms.

The Taoiseach said that the market reset under six-year tenancies being introduced next year would attract investment.

A small landlord can end tenancies via a ‘no-fault eviction’ in limited circumstances, such as economic hardship or to move a family member in.