Understanding Eviction Rules for Irish Tenants

Tenancy Types & Agreements published July 05, 2025

Facing eviction can be a daunting experience for any tenant in the Republic of Ireland. While landlords do have rights regarding property management, tenants have significant legal protections. Familiarize yourself with these to ensure you're treated fairly and can respond appropriately if you receive an eviction notice.

Eviction Notices: What Tenants Need to Know

In Ireland, any eviction must follow strict legal guidelines as set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended). This means that your landlord must provide a valid reason and sufficient notice.

Notice Periods

Depending on the duration of your tenancy, notice periods can vary. They range from 28 days for tenancies less than 6 months, up to 224 days for those lasting over 8 years. The notice must be in writing and specify the date you need to vacate.

Challenging an Eviction

If you believe the eviction is unjust, you can dispute it with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which handles all tenancy-related issues in Ireland. Provide evidence supporting your claim, such as non-receipt of proper notice or insufficient notice period.

Your Housing Standards Rights

Your landlord is obligated to maintain property standards as outlined in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. These regulations ensure your living conditions remain safe and healthy.

Tip: Always report maintenance issues in writing to establish a clear communication trail with your landlord.

Filing a Complaint

If your landlord fails to address these requirements, you can file a complaint with the RTB. You may need to submit evidence such as photos or letters that detail your correspondence about the issue.

Understanding Your Rights

Tenancy rights in Ireland are robust, designed to protect tenants from unfair treatment. Familiarize yourself with them to ensure that you and your landlord are on a fair footing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

For further assistance, the following resources can provide valuable support:


  1. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice? Contact the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to understand your rights and consider disputing the notice if it does not follow legal protocols.
  2. How much notice does a landlord need to give? Notice periods depend on the length of your tenancy, ranging from 28 to 224 days.
  3. Can a landlord evict without reason? No, the landlord must provide a valid reason as legally defined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
  1. How to challenge a rent increase in Ireland
    1. Step 1: Review any rent increase notice to ensure it complies with legal requirements stated in the Residential Tenancies Act.
    2. Step 2: If the notice does not comply or the increase is excessive, you can submit a dispute to the RTB.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand your eviction notice rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
  • Use the RTB platform for disputes or concerns regarding eviction and housing standards.
  • Know the proper notice periods and maintain communication documentation with your landlord.

  1. Residential Tenancies Act 2004, official legislation
  2. Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, official regulations
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Ireland

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.