Renter Rights in Ireland: Eviction, Rent and Repairs

Renting a home in the Republic of Ireland comes with a set of obligations and rights that both tenants and landlords must adhere to. Understanding these rights—especially around rent increases, evictions, and repair issues—can make your renting experience smoother and more secure under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.

Understanding Rent Increases

Landlords in Ireland can only increase rent once every 12 months and must provide at least 90 days' written notice. The increase should not exceed the Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) limits if applicable. It’s essential to ensure the notice includes all legal details required under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, such as the amount of rent being charged for three similar properties in your area.

What Can You Do?

• Check if your area is a Rent Pressure Zone to understand applicable caps.
• Ensure your landlord follows the 12-month and 90-day rules.
• If you believe the increase is unfair, you can dispute it with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) using the RTB1 form, available on the RTB website.

Eviction Process

Evictions can occur for several reasons, such as rent arrears or failure to maintain the property. However, landlords must follow precise procedures to ensure the eviction is legal. This includes providing the appropriate notice period, which varies depending on the tenancy duration—ranging from 28 days for a tenancy under six months to 224 days for tenancies over eight years.

Resolving Repair Issues

Under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, landlords are required to maintain the property in good repair, covering issues from structural integrity to heating and sanitation facilities.

Steps for Tenants

• Inform your landlord in writing about the necessary repairs.
• Allow a reasonable period for repairs; if not addressed, contact your local authority or the RTB.

Conclusion

• Understanding your rental rights can help you manage rent increases and evictions, ensuring a fair renting experience.
• Keep all communications with your landlord documented in case disputes arise.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Citizens Information on Evictions
• Residential Tenancies Board – For filing disputes and understanding your rights
• Threshold Ireland– Offers tenant advice and advocacy

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1. What can I do if I receive an eviction notice?Verify that the notice period complies with legal requirements based on your tenancy duration and ensure the documented reason is valid under Irish law.
2. Can my landlord increase rent anytime they want? No, landlords must wait 12 months between increases and provide a 90-day notice with valid basis, particularly in a Rent Pressure Zone.
3. Who maintains the rented property? It's the landlord's responsibility to ensure the property meets the standards set out under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.

1. How to dispute a rent increase in Ireland?Review the increase notice for compliance; if unjust, complete an RTB1 form and file a dispute on the RTB website.
2. How to deal with repair issues?Document the repairs needed, inform your landlord, and if unresolved in a reasonable time, contact your local authority or RTB.

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