Irish Landlord Legal Obligations 2026 Checklist

Before the tenancy begins

• Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate: You must provide a valid BER certificate (rating A–G) to all prospective tenants. Cost: €100–€200 from a registered BER assessor. Failure to provide one carries a fine of up to €5,000.
• Minimum standards: The property must meet minimum standards for rental accommodation under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 — adequate heating, ventilation, sanitation, and fire safety.
• Rent book: Provide a rent book or written statement of rent terms to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
• Tenancy agreement: While not legally mandatory, a written lease is strongly recommended. It should include rent amount, payment frequency, duration, and both parties' obligations.

RTB tenancy registration

You must register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) within one month of the tenancy start date. Since 2022, tenancy registration is annual — you must re-register and pay the annual registration fee (currently €40 per tenancy) each year.

Failure to register prevents you from using RTB dispute resolution services and may result in a fine. Register at rtb.ie.

Rent control rules (from 1 March 2026)

Rent Pressure Zones were replaced on 1 March 2026 by national rent-control rules. Under Section 19(4) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, any rent setting on or after that date cannot exceed the old rent by more than 2% a year or, if lower, the change in the consumer price index (CPI). Limited exemptions apply, for example some newly built or substantially extended apartments.

A rent review notice must be in the prescribed form and served at least 90 days before the new rent takes effect (Section 22), with a copy to the RTB on the same day. It must state the new rent and its effective date, include the landlord's statement that the rent is not above market rent, give the rent information from the RTB register for 3 comparable dwellings, and specify the floor area and BER. Rent can be reviewed no more than once in 12 months (Section 20).

During the tenancy

• Carry out repairs promptly — you have a statutory obligation to keep the property in good repair and fit for human habitation
• Provide 24 hours' notice (except in emergency) before accessing the property
• Do not discriminate against tenants on any of the nine grounds under the Equal Status Acts (gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religion, membership of the Traveller community)
• Process a HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) application within 30 days if presented by a tenant

Tax obligations

All rental income must be declared to Revenue via your annual income tax return (Form 11 or Form 12, depending on your income level). The deadline is 31 October each year (or mid-November for online ROS filers).

• Allowable expenses: mortgage interest (100% deductible from January 2024 for compliant landlords), insurance premiums, repairs and maintenance, RTB registration fees, agent management fees, accountancy fees
• Pre-letting expenses: certain pre-letting costs (e.g. repairs before first letting) are now deductible — check current Revenue guidance
• Long-term let relief: landlords who enter long-term leases (4+ years) may qualify for additional tax relief under measures introduced in 2024/2025 budgets

Ending the tenancy

You must serve a valid Notice of Termination with the correct notice period for the tenancy duration and, after the first six months, a lawful ground from the Table to Section 34 of the Residential Tenancies Act. See our RTB notice periods guide for the full breakdown.

Return the tenant's deposit within a reasonable time (typically within 2 weeks) after the tenancy ends, less any valid deductions for rent arrears or damage beyond normal wear and tear.