Understanding Eviction Rules in Ireland

Moving In & Moving Out published July 05, 2025

In Ireland, the topic of eviction can be daunting for tenants. Understanding your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the support available from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) can help ease these concerns. Here, we cover essential information related to eviction procedures, your rights, and how to navigate this challenging situation.

Legal Grounds for Eviction

Your landlord must have a valid reason to evict you. Acceptable grounds for eviction include the need for substantial refurbishment, non-payment of rent, breach of tenancy obligations, or if the property is being sold. Evictions cannot be arbitrary or unjustified.

Notice of Termination

Understanding Your Notice

For an eviction to be valid, your landlord must issue a formal notice of termination. This notice needs to follow specific criteria to be legally binding under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

  • The notice must be in writing.
  • It should specify the date of service.
  • You should have fair warning, based on tenancy duration: from 28 days to 224 days depending on the length of your tenancy.

Steps After Receiving a Notice

If you receive a notice of termination, review it carefully to ensure it complies with legal requirements. If you believe it is unjust, you may challenge it with the RTB Dispute Resolution Service.

What to Do If You Face Eviction

Seek Assistance

If faced with eviction, consider reaching out to a tenant advocacy service for support. Organizations such as Threshold Ireland provide advice on protecting your rights and ensuring a fair process.

Tip: Always keep a record of all communications with your landlord, including emails and letters.

Conclusion

Understanding eviction rules in Ireland is crucial for safeguarding your rights. By keeping informed about the legal processes and available support, you can navigate potential evictions more confidently.

  1. Know your landlord's grounds for eviction.
  2. Understand your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
  3. Seek support from tenant advocacy services when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need assistance, here are some valuable resources for renters in Ireland:


  1. What is a valid notice of termination? A valid notice of termination must meet written criteria, include the reason for termination, specify the date it was served, and provide correct notification periods based on tenancy duration.
  2. What are my rights if my landlord wants to evict me? You have the right to receive a proper notice and fair warning. If you find the eviction unjustified, you can appeal to the RTB for resolution.
  3. Can my landlord evict me for no reason? No, landlords must provide a valid reason in line with the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, such as the need for property sale or refurbishments.
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.