Updated on 23 September 2020
Landlord’s rights
Landlord has the right to:
- Set the rent,
- Receive the correct rent on the due date,
- Review the rent,
- Terminate a tenancy without giving a reason during the first six months,
- Be informed who is ordinarily living in the property (this does not include overnight visitors or short stays),
- Decide whether to allow the tenant to sub-let or assign a tenancy,
- Be informed of any repairs needed,
- Be given reasonable access to the property to carry out repairs.
Landlord’s obligations
Landlord has the obligation to:
- Register the tenancy within one month at
www.rtb.ie, (Residential Tenancies Board – RTB) or submit an application by post, - Inform the RTB that you are relying on an Rent Pressure Zone exemption,
- Provide his/her tenant with a rent book and receipts of payment,
- Landlords must pay tax on any rental income received,
- Make sure that the property meets certain minimum standards,
- Repair and maintain the interior of the property to the standard it was in at the start of the tenancy,
- Reimburse tenants for any repairs they carry out, which are landlord’s responsibility,
- Insure the property (if it is impossible to get insurance, or if the cost is unreasonable this obligation doesn’t apply),
- Pay property taxes and any other charges that the tenant is not responsible for,
- Provide the tenant with information about any agents authorised to deal on landlord’s behalf (e.g. management companies, agencies, personal representatives),
- Ensure the tenant knows how to contact landlord (or his agent/representative),
- Give tenants notice of any inspection of the property,
- Make sure there is access to refuse bins at the property,
- Provide tenants with a valid notice of termination (in writing) if terminating the tenancy,
- Submit a copy of the Notice of Termination you served to the RTB (within 28 days), where a tenancy has lasted more than 6 months,
- Return deposit to the tenant (unless the tenant has not paid the rent or has damaged the dwelling).
Deposit
Landlord may withhold a deposit (or part of a deposit) only if:
- The tenant has not given him/her proper notice when leaving,
- Landlord has been left with outstanding bills (i.e. public utilities) or rent,
- The tenant has caused damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Tenant’s rights
Tenant has the right to:
- A property that is in good condition,
- Privacy – tenants are entitled to peaceful and exclusive occupation
of the rented dwelling, - A rent book or record of rent payments made, written contract or lease with the landlord,
- Be informed about any increase in rent,
- Be able to contact the landlord or their authorised agent at any reasonable time,
- Certain minimum standards of accommodation,
- Reimbursement for any repairs that he/she carry out, that are the landlord’s responsibility,
- A valid notice of termination before the end of a tenancy.
- Refer any disputes to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) without being penalised for doing so,
- A copy of any register entry held by the RTB dealing with his/her tenancy,
- All homes for rent must have a Building Energy Rating (BER), stating how energy-efficient the home is. This will help tenant to make an informed choice when comparing properties to rent.
Tenant’s obligations
Tenant has the obligation to:
- Pay his/her rent in full and on time,
- Keep the property in good order,
- Inform the landlord if repairs are needed and give the landlord access to the property to carry out repairs,
- Keep a record of all repairs, payments (including receipts) and dealings with the landlord,
- Make sure that he/she does not damage the property,
- Give the landlord access (by appointment) for routine inspections,
- Inform the landlord of who is living in the property,
- Behave responsibly and not engage in anti-social behaviour,
- Comply with the terms of the tenancy agreement, whether written or verbal,
- Make sure he/she does not perform any hazardous acts that would
affect the landlord’s insurance premium on the property, - Give proper notice when he/she plan to end the tenancy.
Tenant should note that it may be more difficult to assert his/her rights if he/she has broken conditions of his/her tenancy agreement.