Renting in Ireland: Complete Guide to Finding Accommodation (2024)

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Finding rental accommodation in Ireland is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face when moving here or relocating within the country. The housing shortage is real, competition is intense, and costs are high. But with proper preparation and understanding of how the system works, you can successfully navigate the rental market and find a home.

This guide provides everything you need to know about renting in Ireland—from understanding current costs and where to search, to your legal rights as a tenant and how to avoid scams. Whether you’re moving to Dublin, Cork, Galway, or a smaller town, you’ll find practical advice to help you secure accommodation.

The reality of Ireland’s rental market

Let’s be direct: Ireland has a housing crisis. Demand significantly outpaces supply, particularly in Dublin and other urban centres. Properties receive 50+ applications, viewings are crowded, and decisions must be made quickly.

Key challenges:

  • Very limited housing stock
  • High rents compared to most of Europe
  • Competitive application process
  • Landlords can afford to be selective
  • Pressure to decide immediately after viewing

But it’s not impossible: With preparation, flexibility, and persistence, people successfully find rentals every day. Understanding how the market works gives you a significant advantage.

Current rental costs (2024)

Rental costs vary dramatically by location and property type. Here are realistic expectations:

Dublin (monthly rates)

City centre:

  • Studio apartment: €1,500-€1,800
  • One-bedroom apartment: €1,800-€2,500
  • Two-bedroom apartment: €2,200-€3,000
  • Three-bedroom apartment: €2,800-€3,800

Suburbs (within 30 minutes of city centre):

  • One-bedroom apartment: €1,400-€1,900
  • Two-bedroom apartment: €1,800-€2,400
  • Three-bedroom house: €2,500-€3,500
  • Four-bedroom house: €3,000-€4,000

Room in shared house:

  • With own bathroom: €900-€1,200
  • Shared bathroom: €700-€1,000

Cork and Galway

City centre:

  • One-bedroom apartment: €1,200-€1,800
  • Two-bedroom apartment: €1,600-€2,200
  • Three-bedroom house: €2,000-€2,800

Suburbs:

  • One-bedroom apartment: €1,000-€1,400
  • Two-bedroom house: €1,400-€1,900
  • Three-bedroom house: €1,700-€2,400

Room in shared house: €600-€900

Other cities (Limerick, Waterford, Drogheda)

  • One-bedroom apartment: €900-€1,300
  • Two-bedroom house: €1,100-€1,600
  • Three-bedroom house: €1,400-€2,000
  • Room in shared house: €500-€750

Smaller towns and rural areas

  • One-bedroom apartment: €700-€1,000
  • Two-bedroom house: €900-€1,300
  • Three-bedroom house: €1,200-€1,700
  • Room in shared house: €400-€600

These rental costs represent a significant portion of monthly income. For complete budget planning including all living expenses, see our cost of living in Ireland guide.

Where to search for rentals

Finding accommodation requires using multiple platforms simultaneously and checking them constantly.

Primary websites

The most important rental websites in Ireland are covered in detail in our best rental websites guide, but here’s a quick overview:

Daft.ie (essential)

  • Ireland’s largest rental platform
  • Most comprehensive listings
  • Excellent email alert system
  • Check multiple times daily
  • Set up instant email alerts

Rent.ie (important)

  • Second-largest platform
  • Some unique listings
  • Good backup to Daft.ie
  • Set up email alerts here too

MyHome.ie (supplementary)

  • Mixed rental and sale listings
  • Good for area research
  • Fewer rental-only listings

Accommodation.ie (students)

  • Student-focused platform
  • Room shares near universities
  • Good for young professionals too

Facebook Groups

Join local rental groups:

  • “Rent in Dublin” / “Rent in Cork” / etc.
  • “[Your nationality] in Ireland” groups
  • University-specific groups if you’re a student
  • Neighbourhood-specific groups

Check these groups daily. People often post last-minute availabilities or upcoming vacancies.

Letting agencies

Contact agencies directly:

  • Sherry FitzGerald
  • Knight Frank
  • DNG
  • Savills
  • Lisney

Register with agencies in your target areas. They may have properties not yet advertised online.

The rental application process

Step 1: Prepare before searching

Create a rental CV including:

  • Your photo
  • Current situation (job title, company, salary)
  • Why you’re looking (moving to Ireland, relocating within Ireland)
  • When you need accommodation
  • References available
  • Brief personal statement
  • PPS number (if you have one)
  • Contact information

Gather documents:

  • Photo ID (passport)
  • Proof of employment (contract, offer letter)
  • Recent payslips (last 3 months)
  • Employer reference letter
  • Previous landlord references (if applicable)
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)
  • PPS number documentation

Having these ready digitally means you can send them immediately when requested.

Create email alerts on:

  • Daft.ie (set to instant notifications)
  • Rent.ie (daily alerts minimum)
  • MyHome.ie (optional but helpful)

Configure your criteria:

  • Location (be slightly flexible)
  • Price range (set maximum 10-15% above your budget)
  • Bedrooms needed
  • Property type preferences

Enable mobile notifications: Download Daft.ie and Rent.ie apps. Properties receive inquiries within minutes—you need instant alerts.

Step 3: Respond to listings

Speed matters critically:

  • Check alerts every 30-60 minutes when actively searching
  • Respond within 5-10 minutes of new listings appearing
  • Properties in Dublin get 20+ inquiries in first hour

Initial contact message template:

Hi [Landlord/Agent name],

I'm very interested in viewing the [property type] at [address] advertised at €[rent amount]/month.

I'm [your situation - e.g., "a software engineer working with Google" or "relocating from Cork for work"]. I'm available to view [list several times - e.g., "tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday morning, or Thursday evening"].

I have references from [previous landlord/employer] and all documentation ready. I can provide payslips, employment contract, and references immediately.

My phone number is [number]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Step 4: Attend viewings

Viewing realities:

  • Many viewings are “open house” style (10-30+ people)
  • Some are individual (better, but rare)
  • Viewings last 10-15 minutes typically
  • You must decide quickly

What to bring to viewings:

  • Photo ID
  • Printed copy of your rental CV
  • Business cards if you have them
  • Note-taking materials
  • Questions prepared

What to check:

  • Overall condition and cleanliness
  • Heating system (important in Ireland)
  • Water pressure and hot water
  • Natural light
  • Noise levels (traffic, neighbours)
  • Proximity to transport
  • Parking situation
  • Mobile phone signal
  • Signs of damp or mould

Questions to ask:

  • When is property available?
  • How long is the lease?
  • What’s included in rent?
  • Are pets allowed?
  • Can I decorate?
  • What’s the deposit?
  • When do you need a decision?
  • How many people are applying?

Step 5: Submit your application

If you’re interested (and you should decide at the viewing):

Immediately after viewing:

  • Email the landlord/agent expressing strong interest
  • Attach your rental CV and key documents
  • Reiterate your availability to sign quickly
  • Mention specific positive aspects of the property

Follow up:

  • If you don’t hear back within 24 hours, call or email again
  • Be professional but persistent
  • Have backup options ready

Step 6: Negotiate and sign

If your application is accepted:

  1. Review the lease carefully:

    • Read every clause before signing
    • Check rent amount, deposit, and payment dates
    • Verify notice periods and terms
    • Clarify maintenance responsibilities
    • Confirm what’s included (furniture, appliances, utilities)

  2. Clarify costs:

    • Monthly rent amount
    • Deposit (usually one month)
    • First month’s rent (paid upfront)
    • Any other fees (there shouldn’t be tenant fees)

  3. Document property condition:

    • Take extensive photos/video before moving in
    • Note all existing damage
    • Share with landlord via email (creates record)
    • This protects your deposit

  4. Make payments:

    • Get receipts for all payments
    • Use bank transfer (creates paper trail)
    • Never pay cash without receipt

  5. Get everything in writing:

    • Signed lease agreement
    • Deposit receipt
    • Inventory of contents
    • Landlord’s contact information

Understanding Irish tenancy agreements

Standard lease terms

Duration:

  • Minimum 6 months legally
  • Usually 12 months initially
  • Can be shorter by mutual agreement (rare)
  • Month-to-month after initial term (if Part 4 applies)

Part 4 tenancy: After 6 months continuous residence, you automatically gain “Part 4” rights:

  • Security of tenure (up to 6 years)
  • Can only be evicted for specific valid reasons
  • Greater protection and stability

What should be in your lease

Essential clauses:

  • Names of all tenants and landlord
  • Property address
  • Rent amount and payment method
  • Deposit amount and how it’s protected
  • Start and end dates
  • Notice period requirements
  • Maintenance responsibilities
  • Rules about pets, smoking, subletting
  • Landlord access rights

Red flags in leases:

  • Clauses waiving your legal rights (these are void)
  • Unreasonable restrictions
  • Unclear terms about rent increases
  • No mention of deposit protection
  • Excessive notice periods

Rent Pressure Zones

Many areas of Ireland are designated Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs):

  • Rent increases limited to 2% annually
  • Protects tenants from excessive increases
  • Check if your area is an RPZ at rtb.ie

Your rights as a tenant

The Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants. Understanding your rights is crucial.

Right to basic standards:

  • Property must be structurally sound
  • Proper sanitation and water supply
  • Adequate heating
  • Safe electrical and gas systems
  • Freedom from vermin and damp

Right to repairs:

  • Landlord must maintain the property
  • Must repair damage not caused by tenant
  • Emergency repairs must be addressed promptly
  • You can withhold rent if serious issues aren’t fixed (follow proper procedures)

Right to privacy:

  • Landlord must give 24 hours notice before visits
  • Except genuine emergencies
  • Cannot enter without permission

Protection from illegal eviction:

  • Landlord must follow proper notice procedures
  • Cannot change locks or remove belongings without legal process
  • Cannot force you to leave without proper notice

Deposit protection:

  • Deposit must be returned within one month of tenancy ending
  • Can only deduct for legitimate damage (beyond normal wear and tear)
  • Must provide written reasons for any deductions

Your responsibilities

You must:

  • Pay rent on time
  • Keep property reasonably clean and maintained
  • Report maintenance issues promptly
  • Not damage the property
  • Not disturb neighbours
  • Allow landlord access with proper notice
  • Follow lease terms

You’re liable for:

  • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Unpaid utility bills
  • Excessive cleaning needed at move-out
  • Lost keys (replacement costs)

Deposits and rent payments

The deposit

Standard practice:

  • One month’s rent as deposit
  • Paid before moving in
  • Must be protected (landlord requirement)
  • Returned within 30 days of tenancy ending

Getting your deposit back:

  • Document property condition at start and end
  • Take timestamped photos/videos
  • Keep property well-maintained
  • Clean thoroughly before moving out
  • Return all keys
  • Provide forwarding address

If landlord keeps deposit unfairly:

  • Request written explanation of deductions
  • Dispute unreasonable deductions
  • Contact Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)
  • Small Claims Court for amounts up to €2,000

Rent payment

Typical arrangement:

  • Paid monthly in advance
  • 1st of month (or agreed date)
  • Bank transfer most common
  • Standing order recommended (automatic payment)

First payment: You’ll need upfront:

  • First month’s rent: €1,500 (example)
  • Deposit: €1,500
  • Total: €3,000

Budget accordingly—this is a significant initial cost.

What’s included and not included

Usually included in rent:

  • Basic furniture (if advertised as furnished)
  • Kitchen appliances (cooker, fridge)
  • Washing machine (most properties)

Usually NOT included (you pay separately):

  • Electricity (€80-120/month)
  • Gas/oil heating (€60-100/month)
  • Internet/broadband (€40-60/month)
  • Waste collection (€20-40/month)
  • TV licence (€160/year if you have a TV)

Total additional monthly costs: €150-250 typically

Avoiding scams

The rental crisis has unfortunately led to increased scam attempts.

Common scams

“Landlord abroad” scam:

  • Claims to be overseas, can’t show property
  • Asks for deposit to “hold” property
  • Provides fake keys or no keys
  • Never pay without viewing in person

Too-good-to-be-true pricing:

  • Property significantly below market rate
  • Scammer hopes to grab deposit quickly
  • If price seems unrealistic, it probably is

Fake listings:

  • Photos stolen from legitimate listings
  • Property doesn’t exist or isn’t for rent
  • Scammer disappears after receiving money
  • Always verify property ownership

Wire transfer requests:

  • Asks for money via Western Union or similar
  • Claims legitimate reasons (overseas, urgent)
  • Money disappears, no recourse
  • Only use bank transfers with verified accounts

How to protect yourself

Always:

  • View property in person before paying anything
  • Meet landlord or agent face-to-face
  • Verify identity (ask for ID)
  • Use official payment methods (bank transfer)
  • Get written tenancy agreement before paying
  • Check property ownership (Land Registry)
  • Trust your instincts

Never:

  • Pay deposits before viewing
  • Use wire transfer services
  • Share excessive personal/financial information before meeting
  • Sign lease without reading thoroughly
  • Pay into foreign accounts

Verify legitimacy:

  • Check if property appears on multiple platforms
  • Google reverse image search photos
  • Look up agent/landlord online
  • Ask for company registration details
  • Contact letting agency directly (not via number in ad)

Tips for securing accommodation

Improve your chances

1. Be prepared and professional:

  • Have documents ready immediately
  • Dress well for viewings
  • Be polite and personable
  • Show you’re a responsible tenant

2. Respond instantly:

  • Check alerts constantly
  • Contact within minutes of new listings
  • Be available for viewings on short notice

3. Be flexible:

  • Consider areas slightly outside preferred location
  • Look at house shares as well as full properties
  • Be open about move-in dates

4. Build a strong application:

  • Professional rental CV
  • Strong references
  • Proof of stable employment
  • Good bank statements
  • Character references

5. Show commitment:

  • Offer to sign longer lease (12-18 months)
  • Discuss paying few months upfront if financially able
  • Demonstrate you’re reliable and stable

6. Network:

  • Tell everyone you’re looking
  • Ask colleagues, friends for leads
  • Post in social media groups
  • Contact your employer’s HR (they may have resources)

7. Consider alternatives temporarily:

  • Rent a room initially while finding better option
  • Stay in short-term accommodation (Airbnb, hostel)
  • House-sit or sublet while searching

For newcomers to Ireland

If you’re moving to Ireland from abroad, additional challenges apply.

Without Irish references

Solutions:

  • Provide international references (with contact details)
  • Employer reference letter
  • Character references from colleagues
  • Explain you’re new to Ireland
  • Offer to pay few months upfront (if able)

Without PPS number initially

What to do:

  • Explain you’ll get PPS immediately upon arrival
  • Show employment permit or job offer
  • Provide passport and proof you’re legally permitted to work
  • Some landlords accept this; others won’t

Learn more about getting your PPS number quickly after arrival.

Without Irish bank account

Options:

  • Set up Revolut before arriving (accepts foreign address)
  • Pay initial months via international transfer
  • Open Irish bank account immediately upon arrival

See our banking in Ireland guide for complete information.

Short-term while searching

Temporary accommodation:

  • Book Airbnb for 2-4 weeks initially
  • Stay in hostel or budget hotel
  • Ask employer about temporary housing assistance
  • Use serviced apartments

This gives you an Irish address for applications and time to search in person.

For complete relocation advice, see our guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals.

Ending your tenancy

Giving notice

Notice periods:

  • You: Usually 28-35 days (check your lease)
  • Must be in writing (email is fine, but keep record)
  • Calculate from when notice is given, not when you plan to leave

Move-out process:

  1. Give written notice to landlord
  2. Arrange final inspection date
  3. Clean property thoroughly
  4. Fix any damage you caused
  5. Return all keys
  6. Take final photos/video
  7. Provide forwarding address for deposit return

Getting deposit back

Landlord must return within 30 days:

  • Less legitimate deductions only
  • Must provide itemised list of deductions
  • Normal wear and tear doesn’t count

If dispute arises:

  • Request detailed explanation
  • Provide evidence (photos from move-in)
  • Contact RTB for mediation
  • Small Claims Court if necessary

Useful resources

Residential Tenancies Board (RTB):

  • Website: rtb.ie
  • Register tenancies
  • Resolve disputes
  • Check your rights
  • Verify your tenancy is registered

Threshold:

  • Website: threshold.ie
  • Tenancy advice helpline
  • Support for people with housing issues
  • Information about rights

Citizens Information:

  • Website: citizensinformation.ie
  • Comprehensive housing information
  • Rights and entitlements
  • Support services

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to find a rental in Ireland?

Highly variable. In Dublin, finding something suitable can take 1-3 months of active searching. In Cork or Galway, 2-6 weeks. In smaller towns, 1-4 weeks. Start searching well before you need to move. Consider temporary accommodation initially.

Can I rent before arriving in Ireland?

Very difficult, especially in competitive areas. Most landlords want to meet you in person before renting. Some may do video viewings, but it’s rare. Better to book short-term accommodation (Airbnb, hotel) for 2-4 weeks while you search in person.

Do I need a guarantor?

Not usually, but some landlords request one—especially if you:

  • Are a student
  • Have no Irish employment history
  • Are new to Ireland
  • Have limited references

If required, it must be someone living in Ireland willing to guarantee your rent.

Can I negotiate rent?

Sometimes, but rare in high-demand areas. You might negotiate if:

  • Property has been listed for weeks
  • You’re offering longer lease term
  • You’ll pay several months upfront
  • It’s in lower-demand area

Worth asking politely, but don’t expect success in Dublin/Cork/Galway.

What if I have pets?

Many landlords don’t accept pets, especially in apartments. Be upfront about pets immediately—don’t hide them. Some options:

  • Look specifically for pet-friendly listings
  • Offer higher deposit
  • Provide pet references
  • Consider ground-floor properties with gardens

Houses are more pet-friendly than apartments.

Can I sublet or get a roommate?

Only if your lease explicitly allows it. Most leases prohibit subletting without landlord permission. Getting permission to add a roommate is sometimes possible—ask your landlord in writing.

What happens if my landlord sells the property?

Your tenancy continues. New owner must honor your lease terms. You have same rights. If new owner wants to live in the property, they must give proper notice (typically 90-112 days, depending on tenancy length).

Your action plan

Before searching:

  • Save deposit + first month’s rent + moving costs
  • Prepare rental CV and documents
  • Research areas and realistic budgets
  • Create accounts on Daft.ie and Rent.ie
  • Set up email alerts
  • Join relevant Facebook groups

While searching:

  • Check alerts constantly (every 30-60 minutes)
  • Respond within 5-10 minutes to promising listings
  • Attend viewings prepared with questions and documents
  • Be ready to decide quickly after viewing
  • Have backup options ready

Before signing:

  • Read lease carefully
  • Clarify all costs and terms
  • Document property condition
  • Verify landlord identity
  • Check tenancy will be registered with RTB

After moving in:

  • Set up utilities
  • Register with local GP
  • Update address with employer, bank
  • Keep all rental documents safe
  • Build good relationship with landlord

Renting in Ireland is challenging, but thousands of people successfully find accommodation every month. With preparation, persistence, flexibility, and understanding of how the system works, you’ll secure a home. Start early, be ready to move quickly, and don’t get discouraged by initial rejections—the right property will come along.