Renting a home in Ireland: deposits, repairs, rent reviews and notices

For a landlord, letting agent and tenant in Ireland at the start of a tenancy. A room-by-room record of the home's condition, the furniture and appliances, meter readings, keys and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, with a reference to dated photos, signed by both sides. It is the evidence the Residential Tenancies Board looks at if the deposit is disputed at the end. The tenant may add written comments within seven days; each side keeps a signed copy.

For a private tenant in Ireland whose rented home needs repairs: damp and mould, a broken boiler, leaks, faulty electrics. The letter lists each problem in writing, with dated photos, recalls the landlord's duty to repair under section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and the minimum standards for rented houses, asks for an inspection within 14 days, and confirms you will keep paying the rent. If nothing is done, the council can inspect and the RTB's dispute service is open. Send it by email or registered post.

For a tenant in Ireland who has moved out and is still waiting for the deposit, or got back less than expected. The letter to the landlord or letting agent gives the date the tenancy ended and the deposit paid, recalls that a deposit must be returned promptly less only lawful deductions, asks for it within 14 days or a written list of deductions with evidence, and says which you dispute. If nothing comes, the next step is the Residential Tenancies Board's dispute service. Send it by email or registered post.

For a tenant and landlord or letting agent in Ireland at the end of a tenancy. It records who was present, the keys handed back, the final meter readings, the condition of each room compared with the check-in report, any point the tenant does not accept, and the tenant's new address for the deposit. Signing it confirms what it records but agrees no deduction from the deposit. If the tenant completes it alone, a copy with dated photos goes to the landlord the same day.

For a private tenant in Ireland who has received a rent review notice. The reply sets out the notice's dates and amounts, the rules a review must meet (at most once in 12 months, at least 90 days' notice on the RTB's form, three comparable rents, and for a tenancy begun before 1 March 2026 a rise of no more than 2% a year or inflation if lower), and says whether you dispute it and why. A dispute must reach the RTB before the new rent takes effect or within 28 days of receiving the notice, whichever is later.