Renters Rights in Ireland (2025 Guide)

Complete guide to renters rights in Ireland including RTB registration, deposit protection, rent increases, and eviction procedures.

On This Page:

RTB Registration - Your First Right

Know this: Your landlord MUST register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) within one month of your tenancy starting.

The RTB is the independent statutory body that registers and resolves disputes between landlords and tenants in the private rental sector.

What RTB Registration Means for You:

  • Legal protection and security of tenure
  • Access to dispute resolution if issues arise
  • Public record of your tenancy
  • Protection from illegal eviction

Deposit Protection

Your deposit is YOUR money. Here's what landlords can and cannot do:

Maximum Deposit: One Month's Rent

Landlords cannot legally charge more than one month's rent as a deposit.

Deposit Return Timeline

Landlords must return your deposit within one month of you leaving, minus any legitimate deductions for damage.

Rent Increases - Know Your Rights

Landlords cannot increase rent whenever they want. There are strict rules:

  • 24 months minimum: Rent can only be increased once every 24 months
  • 90 days notice: You must receive at least 90 days written notice
  • Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs): In designated areas (Dublin, Cork, etc.), increases are capped at 2% per year
  • Market rent only: Rent can only be increased to the market rate, not beyond
Check if you're in an RPZ: Most of Dublin, Cork, Galway, and other cities are designated Rent Pressure Zones with stricter protections.

Eviction Protection

Landlords cannot just kick you out. You have significant protections:

Notice Periods (Landlord Terminating):

  • Less than 6 months: 28 days notice
  • 6-12 months: 35 days notice
  • 1-2 years: 42 days notice
  • 2-3 years: 56 days notice
  • 3-4 years: 84 days notice
  • 4+ years: 112 days notice

Valid reasons for termination only: Landlords can only end a tenancy for specific legal reasons (selling property, family moving in, major renovations, etc.)

What To Do If Your Rights Are Violated

  1. Document everything: Keep all emails, texts, photos, receipts
  2. Contact RTB: File a dispute at rtb.ie
  3. Get advice: Contact Threshold (housing charity) for free advice
  4. Know you're protected: You cannot be evicted for asserting your rights

Useful Resources:

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