Supports available when renting in Ireland

Renting a property, particularly if it is for the first time, can be a daunting experience.

For many of us it might be our first time venturing away from our childhood homes or our first time living with someone new.

While previously responsibilities such as meeting a monthly housing repayment was not a concern, suddenly now it must become a priority.

That begs the question, are there any supports available to ease the concerns people might have about renting.

Well the good news is that in Ireland renters have access to a number of supports and protections to help ensure fair treatment and maintain affordable housing. Here are the main supports available to you:

1. Rent Protection and Rent Limits

• Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs): If you're renting in an area designated as an RPZ, rent increases are capped at 2% per year (or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower). RPZs apply to most major cities and towns.
• Rent Increase Notice: Landlords must give a minimum of 90 days' notice before increasing rent. This applies unless it's within an RPZ.

2. Tenancy Rights

• Security of Tenure: Tenants in Ireland have the right to stay in their rented homes for a minimum of 6 months if on a fixed-term lease, and up to 4 years if the tenancy is extended. After this period, tenants can be asked to leave with proper notice.
• Notice of Termination: If your landlord wishes to end the tenancy, they must provide a notice in writing and the length of notice depends on the duration of your tenancy.
• Dispute Resolution: If there are issues with your landlord (e.g., repairs, deposits, or eviction notices), you can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). They offer dispute resolution services and can mediate or adjudicate disputes.

3. Financial Support for Rent

• Housing Assistance Payment (HAP): If you are on a low income, you might be eligible for HAP. This scheme allows people to pay a portion of their rent, with the local authority covering the balance.
• Rent Supplement: Rent Supplement is available to people who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and have difficulty affording rent. The amount you can receive depends on your income and location.

4. Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) Services

• Registration of Tenancies: All tenancies must be registered with the RTB and the RTB holds a record of your tenancy status, which can help resolve disputes.
• Rent Reviews and Disputes: If you are facing unfair rent increases or any issues related to your tenancy, you can contact the RTB for support. The RTB offers free services to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords, including mediation and adjudication.

5. Legal Support and Advice

• Free Legal Advice: You can access free legal advice regarding your rights as a tenant from several organizations, including:
  • Citizens Information: Provides information on tenant rights, rent issues, and how to handle disputes.
  • FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres): Offers free legal advice on housing issues, including tenancy agreements, eviction, and rent disputes.
• Legal Aid: If you're in a situation where you need representation in court, you may be eligible for legal aid through the Legal Aid Board.

6. Energy and Utility Supports

• Energy Efficiency Grants: If you're a tenant and have issues with energy costs, there may be supports or grants available for energy efficiency improvements, particularly for those in financial need.
• Utility Payment Supports: Depending on your circumstances, there may be supports for utility bills (e.g., electricity, heating) through schemes such as Fuel Allowance and Free Electricity Allowance.

7. Emergency Housing Assistance

• If you're at risk of homelessness or facing eviction, local authorities can offer assistance in finding emergency housing. They may place you on a waiting list for social housing or provide temporary accommodation.

8. Tax Credits

• The Rent Tax Credit is available for the tax years 2022 to 2025. The Rent Tax Credit reduces the amount of Income Tax that you are due to pay for a tax year. To benefit from the Rent Tax Credit, you must have an Income Tax liability to offset against it.
• For 2022 and 2023, the maximum value of the Rent Tax Credit is €1,000 per year for jointly assessed married couples or civil partners. The maximum value is €500 in all other cases, including single persons.
• For 2024 and 2025, the maximum value of the Rent Tax Credit is €2,000 per year for jointly assessed married couples or civil partners. The maximum value is €1,000 in all other cases, including single persons. This is the case no matter how many properties you pay rent for during the year.

How to Access Support:

• Residential Tenancies Board (RTB): www.rtb.ie
• Citizens Information: www.citizensinformation.ie
• FLAC: www.flac.ie
• Housing Assistance Payment: Contact your local City or County Council to check eligibility.

If you are facing any issues related to your rights as a tenant or need more specific assistance, these organisations can guide you through the process.

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