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Residential Tenancies — RTB

Deposit disputes and the 28-day rent-arrears warning. We check RTB registration and the arrears window, then draft the right document.

The matter
You (tenant)
Landlord
Tenancy details

Residential tenancies / RTB — your process

Most landlord–tenant disputes are decided by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), not the courts. Here is how it works.

  1. 1

    Check the tenancy is registered

    RTB

    Landlords must register the tenancy with the RTB. An unregistered tenancy can undermine a termination notice and the landlord's position in a dispute.

  2. 2

    Deposits

    A deposit may only be retained for rent arrears, unpaid bills, or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Any dispute over the balance is decided by the RTB.

  3. 3

    Rent arrears — the 28-day warning

    28 days

    Before terminating for arrears, a landlord must serve a written 28-day warning notice giving the tenant time to pay. A termination for arrears is not valid until 28 days pass without payment.

  4. 4

    Where it's decided

    RTB

    Disputes are referred to the RTB for adjudication or mediation — not the courts. This tool helps you prepare the deposit demand, warning notice or dispute referral.

General information from the Residential Tenancies Acts — not legal advice. Notice periods and steps are fact-specific, so confirm yours. More at rtb.ie.