How to find accommodation in Ireland
Finding accommodation in Ireland can be challenging, as the availability of rental properties often varies depending on the region you are relocating to. Typically, bigger cities provide a wider selection of rental options at different price ranges compared to smaller villages. Renting outside of major urban regions are generally more affordable.
First things first
There are a few criteria you should consider before you start searching for accommodation in Ireland:
- Budget: Ask yourself what you can afford and how much you want to spend. Besides the monthly rent and additional costs, you will have to pay a deposit to the landlord.
- Location: Where do you want to live? Which areas are a possible match for your needs? What stores, restaurants, and amenities are nearby?
- Room: How much space do you need? Take into account, how much you plan on living there. If it is just a short-term lease, doing some sacrifices may be okay. If you are planning on staying longer, you should take your time to find the right place for you.
- Amenities: What should your accommodation have? Do you need a parking space? Which utilities are included?
Average Rent Prices
The latest report from the Residential Tenancies Board indicates the national average rent for new tenancies is 1,482 Euros. The standardized average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is ca. 900 Euros, for a two-bedroom apartment ca. 1,150 Euros, and for three or more bedrooms ca. 1,380 Euros.
The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin is 1,670 Euros, for a two-bedroom apartment ca. 2,100 Euros, and for three or more bedrooms ca. 2,700 Euros.
If you are working remotely, it may be useful thinking about renting a property in the countryside, since demand and rent are very high in the big cities.
Housing in Ireland
There are many different options for accommodation, purchase or rent, in Ireland. Besides houses and apartments, there are house shares, where you can rent a private bedroom in a shares house. House-sharing is very common in Ireland. It may have the advantage of lower rent but in turn, you will have less privacy compared to your apartment.
Where to look
- Here are some of the top-rated websites for short-term rental accommodation in Ireland:
- Here are some of the top-rated websites for short-rental accommodation in Ireland:
- If you are looking for shared accommodation in Ireland:
- Spotahome.com
- AirBnB
- Facebook groups: just search for the city you intend to rent in
When looking for accommodation in Ireland online, you must be cautious since there are many scams and false ads. Do never give any money away without visiting the flat or accommodation.
- Using Letting Agencies can help you find accommodation and provide you with administrative, management, and other services. In turn, they will charge a fee, usually about 50 Euros. Before paying any money, please verify the following information:
- Are they officially licensed?
- Which services are included?
- Is it possible to get a refund for your service fee? Under which circumstances?
- Ask always for a receipt for any payments made
- Accommodation may be advertised in shop windows or notice boards in supermarkets and colleges.
- Word of mouth: Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a place.
Long-term accommodation
Before you go and view a property, it is advisable to prepare all the documents, which may be requested by the landlord, the property manager, or the agency. You need to provide a Cover Letter, your ID or passport, and references from work and previous landlords. Additionally, you should provide a bank statement confirming your financial situation.
In Ireland, viewing the property is essential to the rental process. This enables you to inspect the property in person and also allows you to present yourself to the landlord or property manager.
Being punctual and arriving prepared with all the necessary documents can help you make a good impression. While viewing, it may also be helpful to discuss with the property manager what you are looking for. It is possible that they have multiple properties available.
Short-term accommodation
If you want to start your search for accommodation after arriving in Ireland or seek short-term rental options in general, there are many options. In addition to hostels and hotels, temporary house sharings or apartments are available. To find these, you might want to try AirBnB and Spotahome.
When booking short-term accommodations online, it is vital to check reviews from previous guests. Be cautious when dealing with persons who communicate in broken English or request upfront payments.
Legal factors of renting in Ireland
Before renting accommodation in Ireland, it is important to know about the strong tenant protection laws.
Your rights
- You are entitled to quiet and exclusive enjoyment of your home
- You are entitled to certain minimum standards of accommodation
- You have the right to contact the landlord or their agent at any reasonable time. You are also entitled to the appropriate contact information you need to do so (telephone numbers, email addresses, postal addresses, etc.)
- Your landlord is only allowed to enter your home with your permission. If the landlord needs to carry out repairs or inspect the premises, it should be by prior arrangement, except in an emergency
- You are entitled to reimbursement for any repairs that you carry out that are the landlord’s responsibility
- You are entitled to have friends stay overnight or for short periods unless specifically forbidden in your tenancy agreement. You must tell your landlord about an extra person moving in
- You are entitled to a certain amount of notice of the termination of your tenancy.
- You are entitled to refer any disputes to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) without being penalized for doing so
- You have the right to a copy of any registered entry held by the PRTB dealing with your tenancy
- You are entitled to know the accommodation’s Building Energy Rating (BER), telling you how energy efficient the home is
Your obligations
- Pay your rent on time
- Keep the property in good order
- Inform the landlord if repairs are needed and give the landlord access to the property to carry out repairs
- Give the landlord access (by appointment) for routine inspections
- Inform the landlord of who is living on the property
- Avoid causing damage or nuisance
- Make sure that you do not cause the landlord to be in breach of the law
- Comply with any special terms in your tenancy agreement, verbal or written
- Give the landlord the information required to register with the PRTB and sign the registration form when asked to do so
- Give the landlord proper notice if you are ending the tenancy
