Cuirfear aistriúchán ar fáil go luath

Ár leithscéal as an míchaoithiúlacht. Cuirfear aistriúchán Gaeilge ar an leathanach seo ar fáil go luath. Go raibh maith agat as do chuid foighneachta agus muid ag obair ar leagan uasdátaithe.

Security deposits

A tenant is usually required to pay a security deposit when they agree to rent a property. There are rules on the deposit amount, when it should be paid and how it must be returned at the end of the tenancy.

What is a security deposit?

A security deposit is a sum of money paid by a tenant to a landlord before the tenancy begins.

It is financial protection for the landlord as security to cover any rent arrears, bills owing or damage beyond normal wear and tear at the end of the tenancy.

The deposit must be returned at the end of the tenancy unless deductions are necessary.

Are there limits on the amount of the deposit?

A landlord cannot ask for a deposit that is more than one month’s rent.

The agreed amount should be documented, and both the tenant and landlord should get a signed and dated receipt.

Who holds the deposit?

It should be clear at the start of the tenancy who holds the deposit and who is responsible for returning it.

If an agent is managing the property, they may hold the deposit. You must always get the landlord’s contact details.

When should the deposit be returned?

Your deposit must be returned as soon as possible when the tenancy ends, unless the landlord has a legal reason to keep it.

It does not have to be returned on the day you move out. The landlord may need time to inspect the property.

Reasons for keeping the deposit

A landlord can keep all or part of the deposit for:

  • Rent arrears: if you owe rent at the end of the tenancy, the landlord can deduct the amount you owe from the deposit.
  • Unpaid bills: if you have not paid utility bills that you are responsible for under the lease or tenancy agreement, the deposit can be used to cover the unpaid bills.
  • Damage: above normal wear and tear such as broken windows, holes in walls, leaving the property in an unhygienic or unsafe condition, missing or broken items.
  • Insufficient notice: if you don’t give the correct notice or end a fixed-term tenancy early, deductions can apply.

Holding your belongings against money you owe

Your landlord cannot hold your belongings against money you owe.

The landlord can use our dispute resolution service if they feel your deposit does not cover rent arrears or the cost of damage to the property.

Tenant checklist before moving out

Before you move out, make sure:

  • You provide the required written notice to your landlord.
  • Rent is fully paid up to your move out date.
  • Final utility meter readings are taken and payment is arranged (if you are responsible for paying utility bills).
  • You take all your personal belongings out of the property.
  • The property is clean so it is in a similar condition to when you moved in, except for normal wear and tear.
  • You get rid of all rubbish and waste.
  • Photos are taken at the start and end of the tenancy as proof of its condition.
  • The inventory is checked to confirm all items listed are present and undamaged.