Housing

Commentary on landlord exodus grounded in ‘misinterpretation of data’

New Census data shows there are 54,000 more households in private rental sector than previously estimated, casting doubt over commentary that landlords are fleeing the sector

The CSO has said a comprehensive probe into “the discrepancy” between Census and RTB rental sector data will be commenced in November. Picture: Getty

Commentary on the exit of landlords from the rental sector is based on “a mis-interpretation of data”, the Oireachtas Housing Committee will be told on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, new Census data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said there were 54,000 more households in the private rental sector than the estimate published by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

In a statement ahead of an appearance at the housing committee on Tuesday, the CSO ...