Owen Keegan Resigns as RTB Chairperson with Immediate Effect

Owen Keegan has stepped down as chairperson of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) in Ireland, with his resignation effective immediately. Keegan, who was appointed to the role in October 2024 and was expected to serve until October 2029, cited personal reasons for his departure less than two years into his five-year term.

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We thank Owen for his significant service to the Residential Tenancies Board over the last two years.

The RTB issued a statement acknowledging Mr Keegan's tenure, describing it as a period of "substantial progress and development for the organisation." The board highlighted the successful implementation of significant changes to rental law, which took effect in March of this year, as a key achievement during his leadership.

Prior to his appointment as chairperson, Mr Keegan served as the Interim Director of the RTB from February to August 2024. His extensive public service career includes previous roles as Chief Executive of Dublin City Council from 2013 to 2023 and County Manager with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council from 2006 to 2013.

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Owen brought a wealth of experience and a long track record of public service to the RTB.

Rosemary Steen, Director of the RTB, thanked Mr Keegan for his service, noting his "wealth of experience and a long track record of public service." She stated that he made an important contribution to developing a rental sector that serves both tenants and landlords. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will now initiate the process to appoint a new chairperson.

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He has made an important contribution to delivering a rental sector that works for the people of Ireland.