By Gerry McCarthy


This article includes guidelines for landlords seeking to let and tenants planning to rent in Ireland. If you're a landlord in Ireland, then you will require a Building Energy Rating or BER certificate if you wish to let your premises. This certificate is mandatory for all houses and apartments being offered for letting from the 1st of January 2008. In case you do not possess a certificate then you must contact 1 of the many BER assessors around the country. An average BER certificate for a house will probably cost around 150.

As a landlord you need to supply a written letting agreement or lease. All payments made to the landlord, must be documented by written statement. You need to, by law, make sure that your residence complies with certain minimum standards - e.g. free from damp, in very good structural repair, cold and hot water, satisfactory means of heating and ventilation, appliances in good working order, electrical wiring, gas, pipes in good repair. You're obliged to undertake repairs except where damage beyond regular deterioration has been caused by the renter.

Tenants are entitled to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their house. As a landlord you're allowed enter with your tenant's authorization. Should you have to perform repairs or inspect the premises, it should be by previous arrangement with your tenant.

You must return immediately any down payment paid by the tenant. The deposit may be retained or deductions made where there are 1) rent arrears or 2) costs incurred to repair damage above normal wear and tear 3) cleaning costs 4) unsettled utility bills.

Any properties which are rented are needed legally to be signed up with the Private Residential Tenancies Board within 28 days of letting. There are some exceptions including: holiday break lets, where the landlord is a relative of the tenant; where the landlord is resident. For extra information it is possible to contact the Private Residential Tenancies Board. Landlords who don't register are liable to prosecution.




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