Information for students and parents

Know about different tenancy types

Whether you’re moving into a student apartment, a private rental or ‘digs’, it’s important to know which type of agreement you have and what that means for your protections.

Be aware that simply calling a letting agreement a “licence” does not automatically make it one. Learn more about the difference between a lease and licence.

Key things to remember before you sign

• View before you rent and never pay or sign before seeing the property.
• Use our tenant’s checklist to set the tenancy up for success.
• Check minimum standards like heating, hot water and safe appliances. Find out more about minimum standards.
• Watch out for scams and don’t transfer money without viewing.
• Get it in writing through the tenancy agreement, inventory report and rent and deposit receipts.
• Know the rules for Student Specific Accommodation (SSA) restrictions on deposits and advance rent , notice periods and tenancy duration limits apply.

Your rights include:

• A safe and well-maintained home with working utilities and appliances.
• Peaceful and exclusive occupation.
• Proper notice if your tenancy is ending.

Your responsibilities include:

• Paying rent on time.
• Keeping the property in good condition.
• Allowing access for repairs with notice.
• Following house rules and avoiding anti-social behaviour.

These are just a summary of some of your legal rights and responsibilities. Find full details of your rights and responsibilities set out in law and tenancy agreements.

Information for landlords renting to students

Whether you offer a house, apartment or purpose-built student accommodation to students, you need to know the rules for your specific tenancy.

Know your letting type

Use knowing about different tenancy types table above.

Be aware that simply calling an agreement a “license” doesn’t make it one.

Whether an agreement is a lease or licence depends on the actual arrangement, not just the name.

Learn more about the difference between a lease and licence.

Key things to remember when setting up a student tenancy

• Use our landlords’ checklist to get it right from day one.
• Register your tenancy within one month and annually on the anniversary.
• Use written tenancy agreements plus inventory reports and rent and deposit receipts.
• Know about different rules for SSAs including limits on deposits and advance rent, tenancy duration and notice periods.

Your rights include:

• Receiving rent in full and on time
• Deciding on subletting or assignment (not allowed in SSA)
• Being informed of necessary repairs and accessing the property with notice

Your responsibilities include:

• Providing peaceful occupation and meeting minimum standards.
• Setting rent in line with rental law.
• Returning deposits promptly (minus permitted deductions).
• Maintaining the property in good condition and meeting minimum standards.
• Ending tenancies in line with legal notice requirements.

These are just a summary of some of your legal rights and responsibilities. Find full details of your rights and responsibilities set out in law and tenancy agreements.

If you don’t comply with your obligations

Landlords who breach rental law can be investigated by the RTB, sanctioned and directed to pay a fine up to €15,000, in addition to costs up to €15,000.