Know Your Rights: Rent Increases, Eviction, and Repairs in Ireland

Renting a home in Ireland comes with a set of legal protections to ensure tenants live in safe, secure environments. Understanding your rights regarding rent increases, eviction, and repairs is crucial. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 are key laws governing these aspects.

Understanding Rent Increases

In Ireland, landlords cannot increase rent indiscriminately. Rent reviews must adhere to certain rules:

• Frequency: Rent cannot be increased more than once in a 12-month period.
• Notice: Landlords must give tenants at least 90 days' written notice of a rent increase.
• Market Rates: The new rent should be in line with local market rates.

If you receive a rent increase notice that you believe is unjust, you can challenge it through the RTB, the body handling residential tenancy disputes.

Eviction Rules

Facing eviction can be daunting, but it's important to know your rights:

• Valid Notice: Landlords must provide a valid notice period based on your length of tenancy.
• Grounds for Eviction: Evictions must have legitimate grounds, such as breach of contract.

If you believe your eviction notice isn't valid, contact the RTB for advice on how to proceed.

Repairs and Maintenance

Tenants have the right to a safe and habitable living environment:

• Landlord’s Responsibility: Landlords must maintain the property to the standards set out in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.
• Reporting Issues: Inform your landlord in writing if repairs are needed.
• Non-response: If repairs aren’t addressed, you may file a complaint with the RTB.

For detailed standards, visit the Department of Housing.

Ensure all communications with your landlord are documented in writing to safeguard your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're facing issues with your tenancy, utilize these resources:

• Citizens Information for general advice.
• Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for disputes and legal guidance.
• Local tenant advocacy services for support and information.

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1. What should I do if my landlord increases rent without notice? If your landlord increases the rent without providing the mandatory 90 days' notice, you should inform them about this oversight. If they do not correct it, you may lodge a complaint with the RTB.
2. How long must my landlord give me before evicting me? The notice period varies: 28 days for tenancies less than 6 months, 90 days for 7 months to 1 year, 120 days for 1 to 3 years, and longer for longer tenancies.
3. Can I refuse to pay rent if repairs are not done? Withholding rent is not recommended and could lead to legal issues. Instead, document requests and follow up with the RTB if issues persist.

1. How to challenge a rent increase in Ireland?
   1. Review the notice to ensure it meets legal requirements.
   2. Contact your landlord in writing if you believe the increase is unjustified.
   3. Lodge a formal complaint with the RTB if necessary.
2. How to file a complaint about eviction?
   1. Gather all related correspondence and evidence.
   2. Contact the RTB for guidance on your specific situation.
   3. Submit your complaint using the appropriate RTB form.

• Always communicate in writing to create a verifiable record of your concerns.
• Know your rights under current legislation to protect your tenancy effectively.
• Use available renter resources for additional support and information.

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004
2. Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019

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