The Minister for Finance says new laws can be rushed through to stop landlords from hiking rents on vulnerable tenants.

Michael Noonan was responding to reports that some landlords are already increasing rent, before they can be stopped by new regulations.

The government's new housing proposals will only allow increases every two years - leading some landlords to increase rent NOW, before the rules kick in.

But the Finance Minister told Today FM that tenants will be protected under other laws:

Environment minister Alan Kelly says there should be no reason for landlords to hike rents just before the new controls are set to kick in.

Charities are worried that landlords may now increase rents immediately - but the minister told Galway Bay FM that shouldn't be a problem:

Meanwhile there's been mixed reaction to the reports of a compromise deal to control the cost of rent.

The measures going to cabinet next week will mean rent can be increased less regularly - while other restrictions on builders will be lifted.

But one industry expert says the measures will do little to ease the cost of rent in the long-term.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: