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Whoever you rent a property with, this general guide to renting will cover many of the typical questions asked by tenants.

How much do I need to ‘budget’ in addition to the rental payments?

To reserve a property you will probably be asked for a reservation fee of €500. This is to guarantee (subject to satisfactory references) that the property is secured for you whilst agreements are drawn up. The reservation fee is deducted from the total deposit taken with the first month’s rental.

As a general guide, the renting deposit is between one month’s rental monies and is taken along with the first month’s rental. You are entitled to receive a receipt note for any monies exchanged in relation to your proposed tenancy.
Your letting agent will usually charge an administration fee for preparing agreements. If you change your mind about renting a property after it has been reserved you may be charged a cancellation fee.

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I am from overseas – what do I need to know?

The renting process in the ROI may be different from that of your own country. WEB Lettings are happy to offer to assist overseas tenants, particularly with detailed agreements so that tenants are fully aware of what they are committing themselves to by signing a contract.

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What is a letting agent's role for the tenant?

The agent is employed by the Landlord so the agent will act in their best interests. However professional letting agents will abide by best practice rules that work for both landlord and tenant. The agent will aim to facilitate your move to your new property as swiftly as possible subject to the tenant being organised i.e. references readily available etc.

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Who do I deal with - the letting agent or landlord?

The letting agent will deal with the property viewings, references, agreements and getting you moved in to your rented property. From that point onwards, your point of contact depends on whether the Landlord pays the agent to ‘manage’ their property. If the property is ‘managed’ the tenant will normally report any repairs or queries to the letting agent, otherwise the tenant and landlord must liaise directly with each other.

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Who should arrange and pay for repairs at the property?

The landlord should arrange any repairs including appliances. However tenants are responsible for breakages which would normally be deducted from the deposit unless otherwise agreed. A tenant should report repairs and breakages as soon as they occur.

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What privacy am I entitled to – when should I expect visits from the landlord or agent?

A tenant’s privacy is respected by gaining prior agreement to inspect a property during the tenancy. As a general guide, whilst you are renting, the letting agent or landlord will visit the property at least twice. This subject is normally addressed in the tenancy agreement.

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How long does a rental tenancy last?

Most rental tenancies are for 12, 18 or 24 months. Where the Landlord has instructed or accepted a break-clause, this normally provides a right for either the Landlord and/or the Tenant to terminate the Agreement 6 months prior to the end of the tenancy - but with 2 months notice period (thus terminating the tenancy 4 months prior to the natural expiry of the tenancy). This notice has to be served in writing by the party giving notice.

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What type of rental agreement is used - can I change or add to it?

A lease in accordance with the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 is used for the majority of residential tenancies. This is normally a standard contract between Landlord and Tenant. Any special requirements, such an extra item the landlord agrees to supply e.g. a bed or variations to the standard tenancy agreement should be listed in a Rider document and attached to the Tenancy agreement - otherwise requirements are not guaranteed. This does not apply to items which are required by statute or properly arise after occupation.

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Can I rent a room to a flatmate or flat share?

As any guide to renting will explain, the names of all of the occupiers must be declared on the Tenancy Agreement. If a tenant sublets to a flatmate or flat share which is not detailed on the agreement, they will be breaking the terms of the contract. 

Where several people are sharing a property the tenants are ‘jointly and severally’ responsible, and as such as listed on the Tenancy Agreement. This expression means that each tenant is liable to for any breach of agreement and to pay all of the rent.

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Can I stop paying rent if repairs are delayed?

It is a dangerous tactic to withhold rental payments for whatever reason because you would be in breach of the tenancy agreement, for which the Landlord could take you to court. Discuss any concerns with the letting agent (if they are managing the property). To avoid ambiguity, many letting agents ask tenants to report any requirement for repairs in writing.

If the landlord is managing their own property, then it may be worth taking advice from a solicitor if any important repair is not dealt with. Letting Agents often hold a small deposit from the landlord for minor repairs that crop up during the tenancy, but they may still have to seek their permission.

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