Explainer: How to a tenancy

LANDLORDS must residential tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) every year and update the RTB if information about a tenancy changes.

The RTB uses this information to keep a public of tenancies, which shows the address of the property and the number of bedrooms. It does not show the identity of the landlord or the tenants, or the amount of rent paid.

What tenancies must be ed?

Under residential tenancies legislation, most privately rented properties must be ed with the RTB. This includes properties rented out by approved housing bodies and student-specific accommodation. It does not apply to business lettings, holiday lettings or owner-occupied accommodation (for example, if you rent a room in your landlord’s home)

What are the rules about ing a tenancy?

Landlords are responsible for ing tenancies. New tenancies must be ed within a month of the start of the tenancy. Then, landlords must the tenancy every year that the tenancy continues. This must be done within a month of the date of when the tenancy began.

For example, if a new tenancy begins on May 4, 2023, the landlord must the tenancy by June 3, 2023 (within one month of the tenancy start date). 

If the tenancy continues for the next 12 months, the landlord must the tenancy again by June 3, 2024, and then every year by August 3 while the tenancy continues.

Annual registration has applied since April 4, 2022. The RTB will remind landlords when their tenancy is due for annual registration, if they have up-to-date information for the landlord.

How do you a tenancy with the RTB?

You can online using the RTB’s new online system. You need to create an RTB online before you can a tenancy. You can get information on the RTB’s website about how to do this.

To a tenancy by post or email, you the Tenancy Registration Application Form, complete it and send it back to the RTB. You should keep a copy of the form and proof of postage.

If you have questions about the registration process, you can email [email protected].

When a tenancy has been ed and the fees paid, the RTB will send letters to the landlord and tenants confirming that the tenancy has been ed.

What information do you need to a tenancy?

Private landlords and approved housing bodies must supply the following information when ing:

• The address of the rented home
• The name, address and PPS Number of the landlord (or ed number, if a company)
• The approved housing body (AHB) number, if a housing association
• The name and PPS Number of each tenant
• A description of the property (for example, a 2-reception, 3-bedroom semi-detached house)
• The date the tenancy started
• The rent and how often it is paid
• The local authority area the property is located in
• The term of the lease if it is a fixed-term lease
• Whether it is a sub-letting
• Building Energy Rating (BER) if applicable
• Details of any management company or authorised agent

The RTB website has a checklist of the information you need to provide when ing a tenancy.

The RTB needs additional information when ing student-specific accommodation, so it uses a slightly different process. For more information about ing student-specific accommodation see the RTB’s website or your local Citizens Information Centre.

Does the landlord have to do anything if there are changes in rent?

If the amount of rent changes, the landlord must tell the RTB of the change within one month. The RTB can take action (including criminal proceedings) against landlords who do not notify the RTB about changes in rent.

How do you know if a tenancy is ed?

You can view the public to check your tenancy has been ed. The RTB can take action against landlords who do not tenancies. Even if your landlord hasn’t ed your tenancy, as a tenant, you can still use the RTB’s dispute resolution service. Landlords can only use this service if they have ed the tenancy.

Are there penalties if the tenancy is not ed in time?

If you are late ing a tenancy, late fees apply for each month the registration is late. However, late fees do not apply for most tenancies at the moment. If you have paid late fees under the new registration system, you will be refunded. Pausing of late fees has been introduced because landlords have had issues ing tenancies using the new annual system. The pausing of late fees does not apply to tenancies in student-specific accommodation.

For more information about late registration fees and the current pausing of these charges, see www.rtb.ie.

Are there penalties for not ing a tenancy with the RTB?

Landlords who do not a tenancy can be fined up to €4,000 and face imprisonment for up to six months on conviction. A further penalty of €250 for each day of non-registration can be applied. In addition, the landlord will also have to pay the RTB’s legal costs. There is more information about these penalties on the RTB’s website.

• South Munster Citizens Information telephone lines in Cork City are monitored from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. In addition, the Cork City Centre CIC in Cornmarket Street is open to the public from 10am to 12.30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the Blackpool CIC is open to the public each morning from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Full details for all Citizens Information Centres and their opening times are available on the website. See https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

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