Landlords’ rights and obligations

Rules

Rights as a landlord

You have the right to:

• Set the rent (although the rent cannot be more than the current market rate. See Rent Increases in Ireland)
• Receive the correct rent on the date it is due
• Receive any charges associated with the property (this means taxes and duties or payments)
• Review the rent annually
• 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 (however if you refuse to allow a tenant to assign or sublet a tenancy this refusal can gives the tenant the right to terminate a fixed-term tenancy before its expiry date)
• Be informed of any repairs needed
• Be given reasonable access to the property to carry out repairs
• Refer disputes to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) if the tenancy is registered with them.

You do not have the right to:

• Enter your tenants’ home without permission
• Take or retain your tenants’ property – even if they haven’t paid the rent
• Charge more than the market rate for the property
• Penalise tenants for bringing a dispute to the PRTB.

Obligations of a landlord

As a landlord, you must:

• Register the tenancy with the PRTB
• Provide your tenant with a rent book or statement of rent paid
• 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
• Repair and maintain the structure of the property
• Reimburse tenants for any repairs they carry out which are your responsibility
• Insure the property (if it is impossible to get insurance, or if the cost is unreasonable this obligation doesn’t apply)
• Provide the tenant with information about any agents authorised to deal on your behalf (e.g. management companies, agencies, personal representatives)
• Ensure the tenant knows how to contact you (or your agent)
• Give tenants 28 days notice of a rent review
• Provide tenants with a valid notice of termination (in writing) if terminating the tenancy. See 'If your landlord wants you to leave' for more information on termination.
• Return deposits to the tenant (unless the tenant has not paid the rent or has damaged the dwelling)
• From 1 January 2009, all homes for rent must have a Building Energy Rating (BER).

You must also make sure that the tenants meet their obligations. Anyone that is affected by your tenants’ failure to meet their obligations can make a complaint against you to the PRTB. See 'Tenants' rights and obligations' for more on these obligations.

Deposits

As a landlord, you may withhold a deposit (or part of a deposit) only if:

• The tenant has not given you proper notice when leaving
• You have been left with outstanding bills (i.e., public utilities) or rent
• The tenant has caused damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Refusal to grant a tenancy

Equality legislation applies to lettings and accommodation. You cannot discriminate against potential tenants on grounds of gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Travelling Community.

Tax on rental income

Landlords pay tax on rental income under the Revenue Commissioner's Self-Assessment system. You are entitled to deduct some expenses from the tax you pay on rental income and A Revenue Guide to Rental Income gives information on the expenses you can claim. If you rent out a room in your home you are exempt from income tax provided the amount of rent does not exceed a certain amount.