Enforcement of Determination Orders

When landlords, tenants, or third parties use the RTB’s dispute resolution services, the final outcome is legally binding. This outcome is called a Determination Order.

The Determination Order outlines the terms of the decision or agreement. All parties must comply with the Determination Order within the timeframe stated.

Failure to comply with a Determination Order

The courts can enforce a Determination Order. If one of the parties does not comply with the terms of the agreement they might:

• Be brought to court
• Have to pay fines
• Have to pay the other party’s legal costs, if they lose the case

After legal proceedings, the RTB publishes the court order which names the parties involved and highlights non-compliance.

How the RTB supports enforcement

The RTB can support parties seeking compliance with a Determination Order in 3 ways. We can:

• Support parties to meet the terms of the Determination Order.
• Support parties who are bringing their own Order Enforcement proceedings to court by providing relevant documents.
• Directly support parties in taking Order Enforcement proceedings to court through the legal assistance scheme.

1. Support parties to meet the terms of the Determination Order

Most of the time, people follow the terms of the Determination Order. If they can’t, the RTB can encourage compliance by helping communication between both sides. If one party wants to suggest a payment plan or settlement, we can pass this information on to the other party. The RTB can’t change the terms of the Determination Order.

2. Support parties who are bringing their own Order Enforcement proceedings to court

If you want to bring your own District Court enforcement case, you can ask the RTB for support. We will give you copies of all relevant documents from your dispute case (usually within 7 days of getting your request).

We can also give you:

• A guide to taking enforcement action in the District Court.
• Template court documents to use when preparing a case for court.

3. Directly support parties in taking Order Enforcement proceedings to court

In some cases, the RTB can directly support parties seeking enforcement of Determination Orders. We can provide a nominated legal firm and cover some, or all the legal costs.

This assistance is discretionary and subject to eligibility under the RTB’s Enforcement Policy.

How to apply for Order Enforcement support from the RTB

Check if your case meets the requirements in the RTB’s policy for enforcement.
If it does, download and complete the Order Enforcement application form.
Not all applications are approved. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Email to: enforceorder@rtb.ie
Post to: RTB, PO Box 47, Clonakilty, Co Cork

Determination Orders enforced by Courts

Find Determination Orders which have been enforced through the Courts.