Guide to tribunals

How a tribunal works

Tribunal hearings take place on Monday to Friday at 10.30am and 14.30pm.

• Both parties will receive a date and time for the tribunal hearing. You will get at least 21 days’ notice before the hearing.
• Most hearings are held remotely by video call. You will receive a link by email or post.
• In-person hearings are arranged when necessary.
• The case is heard by 3 tribunal members, 1 acts as the chairperson.
• Hearings last up to 1.5 hours.
• An interpreter or translator is available. Let us know if you need one when you apply.

Notice periods

All parties will get at least 21 days’ notice before the hearing. You might get a shorter notice if:

• A party requests a shorter notice period, and the other party agrees.
• The dispute concerns alleged behaviour by one party that is putting someone’s life or safety at risk, or could seriously damage the property.
• One or more parties say that there is financial or other hardship.

To request a shorter period of notice, tell us as soon as possible.

What if I need to change the date or time

You can ask to change the date or time (adjournment) of your tribunal hearing only in exceptional cases. Work or college commitments are not considered valid reasons. To request an adjournment:

• Send your request in writing
• Include proof to support your request

The tribunal panel members will decide whether to allow an adjournment or not.

If you cannot attend, you can nominate someone else or submit a written statement. If you do not attend without giving notice, the tribunal will assume you have withdrawn the application. The RTB will then make a Determination Order based on the previous mediation agreement or the adjudicator’s decision. If the other party in the dispute has appealed to the tribunal, their case will go ahead.

Who should attend a tribunal hearing

If you applied for the tribunal, you must attend the hearing or send a representative. Tribunal hearings are informal.

You can bring someone with you, like a family member or friend. You can also bring a solicitor or other professional. Please tell the tribunal ahead of the hearing how many people will be attending.

If you need a translator, tell us in advance.

Do I need legal representation?

You don’t usually need legal representation from a solicitor or barrister. Our Dispute Resolution Service is a less formal, low cost option that has replaced the courts for tenancy disputes.

If you plan to have a legal representative, tell us within 7 days of getting your hearing date. The tribunal will only award the cost of legal representation in exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of the RTB Board.

Can I bring witnesses to the tribunal hearing?

You can bring witnesses to the hearing. If you need a witness to be summoned, ask the RTB at least 10 days before the hearing date. The tribunal panel will review the request. If approved, they will issue a subpoena (a summons or an order) ordering the witness to attend and give evidence.

The tribunal may decide that a witness should be refunded for their expenses. Witnesses have the same rights as in the High Court.

Being a witness – citizensinformation.ie

How to apply for a tribunal

Send your application form with the correct fee by:

• Email: tribunals@rtb.ie
• Post: RTB, PO Box 47, Clonakilty, Cork

You can pay the fee by cheque, postal order, bank draft, debit card or credit card. You must submit the application within the strict timeframes below following mediation or adjudication.

Late applications will be rejected. If your application is rejected, the Determination Order from the adjudication hearing will become legally binding.

Can I withdraw my appeal?

You can withdraw your appeal at any stage before the tribunal decides on the case. Let us know as soon as possible. If you withdraw during the hearing, the tribunal panel must ask if the other party objects to the withdrawal.

If they do, the tribunal will meet to decide if you need to cover any of the other parties’ costs.

If the other party does not object to the withdrawal, a legally binding Determination Order will be made based on the mediation or adjudication dispute outcome.

Can I settle with the other party?

You can reach an agreement at any stage. If this happens, the applicant must tell us they want to withdraw the case.

How to prepare for a tribunal

All parties involved in the tribunal should submit evidence to prove their case.

The tribunal panel decides how the dispute is resolved based on the evidence provided and the law.

Any evidence submitted is shared with all parties involved, their representatives and the tribunal panel.

Read the guide to evidence to help you prepare.

What happens at a tribunal hearing

All parties attend with each other. There will be 3 people on the tribunal panel; 1 will be the chairperson and 2 will be panel members. The chairperson will manage the hearing and allow each party to explain their case using evidence that has been shared.

The tribunal hearing usually takes 1 to 2 hours. It depends on how complicated the dispute is. Please keep that day free.

Each party can present their evidence to the tribunal and cross-examine the other party.

Virtual hearings

Once you click the link to join the meeting. You will enter a waiting room. The tribunal chair will let people in and check their identity. For security and privacy reasons, only the people confirmed in advance can join.

Online safety

For your personal safety:

• During the meeting, only your name will be shown.
• The recording of virtual hearings is not allowed under any circumstances.
• Think about where you will be for the hearing and what people can see on camera. If needed, blur your background in the video call settings.
• If you join by phone, hide your caller ID. If not, some of your phone number may be shown (some digits and asterisks).

The RTB has completed a data protection impact assessment on virtual hearings. Get more information on how we protect your data.

In-person hearings

Sometimes, hearings take place in person. These hearings happen in a venue within a reasonable distance from the rented property involved in the dispute. All parties attend the hearing together.

In-person hearings are held in Dublin City (RTB office), Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, Sligo Town, Athlone and Wexford Town.

Outcomes following a tribunal hearing

The tribunal panel will decide the outcome in a Determination Order and submit a report. The report will include an overview of the hearing, the panel’s decision and the reasons for each decision.

The Determination Order is a legally binding document. The RTB reviews both documents and issues them to all parties at the same time. This usually takes 4 to 6 weeks after the hearing.

The tribunal’s decision on a dispute is binding. Either party can only appeal if they feel the decision is wrong and does not comply with the law. An appeal must be made to the High Court within 21 calendar days.

Tribunal reports and Determination Orders following tribunal hearings are published on our website. Use the filters to search for previous outcomes and Determination Orders for tribunals.