Start looking for a home as early as you can, and never pay a deposit before you have seen the property and met the landlord or agent. In total, a landlord cannot ask you for more than two months’ rent to secure a tenancy.
What you need
- Your passport or other photo ID
- A reference from a previous landlord, if you have one
- Proof of income or a job offer letter
- A bank account for rent payments (avoid paying in cash)
- A short, polite message introducing yourself to landlords
- Short-term accommodation while you search
Step by step
- Set your budget. Rent, bills, transport and food. Rents vary a lot by area, so compare current listings.
- Prepare your “renter pack”. ID, references and proof of income in one PDF, ready to send.
- Search and reply quickly. Good homes go fast. Send a clear message and ask for a viewing.
- View the property in person (or ask a trusted friend to). Check heating, damp, windows and locks.
- Check the landlord. Get their name and contact details, even if you deal with an agent. You can search the RTB website for dispute outcomes.
- Pay safely. The deposit is a maximum of one month’s rent, and rent in advance is a maximum of one month. Pay by traceable bank transfer and get receipts.
- Sign and record. Get a copy of the tenancy agreement, an inventory signed by both of you, and take dated photos on move-in day.
- Check registration. Your landlord must register the tenancy with the RTB within one month. You then receive a letter with an RT number.
New rules for tenancies from 1 March 2026
The rules changed for new tenancies created from 1 March 2026. According to the RTB and gov.ie:
- Rent increases are limited to once a year and capped at 2% or CPI inflation, whichever is lower. Some newer apartments can follow CPI without the 2% cap.
- Tenancies of Minimum Duration: new tenancies run in 6-year cycles.
- Security of tenure starts after six continuous months. In the first six months, a landlord can end the tenancy for any reason with valid notice.
- Ending a tenancy later is only possible on specific grounds, and these depend on how many tenancies the landlord has.
Tenancies that started before 1 March 2026 follow the older rules for ending a tenancy. The details are legal, so check the RTB website for your situation.
How to spot a rental scam
- The rent is far below other homes in the same area.
- The “landlord” is abroad and cannot show you the property.
- You are asked to pay a deposit or “holding fee” before a viewing.
- You are pushed to decide today and pay by cash, crypto or money transfer app.
- You are asked for more than one month’s deposit plus one month’s rent. That breaks the limit.
If something feels wrong, stop and do not pay. See our scams and safety guide.
What your landlord should give you
- A copy of the tenancy agreement before the tenancy starts
- A rent setting notice showing how the rent was set
- An inventory of contents and their condition
- Receipts or a rent book if rent is not paid electronically
- Their contact details, or their agent’s
If you have a problem, talk to your landlord first and keep everything in writing. The RTB offers dispute resolution if that does not work.
Do it faster with GetKG
- Merge PDF — build one renter pack with ID, references and job letter
- Compress PDF — make your renter pack small enough to email
- Mortgage Calculator — compare renting with buying in the long term
- Crypto scams guide — recognise fake landlords who ask for crypto
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How much can a landlord ask me to pay upfront?
The deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent, and rent in advance is limited to one month. In total, a landlord cannot ask for more than two months’ rent to secure a tenancy, and advance utility payments count towards that.
Does my landlord have to register my tenancy?
Yes, private tenancies must be registered with the RTB within one month of the start date. Rent-a-room and “digs” arrangements are not registered. If your landlord does not register, you can report it to the RTB.
Can my rent go up every few months?
No. Under the current rules, rent can rise only once a year and is capped at 2% or CPI inflation, whichever is lower. Some newer apartments follow different rules.
Can I use this address for my PPS number?
Yes. A tenancy agreement or lease is accepted as proof of address for a PPS number if it is dated within the last 3 months.
This page is general information, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Rules can change, so always check the official sources above.
Next step: register with a doctor and learn how the health system works in our GP and healthcare guide.