Can I take my landlord to the RTB in Ireland?
Yes — any tenant (or landlord) can bring a dispute to the Residential Tenancies Board, for a small fee. The RTB handles disputes over deposits, rent arrears, invalid notices of termination, overholding and repairs/standards. The process has two stages: Stage 1 is free mediation or a paid adjudication (a hearing with a binding decision); Stage 2 is an appeal to a 3-person Tenancy Tribunal (a full re-hearing). It costs just €15 to apply online (€25 by paper), with tribunal appeal fees of €30 (from mediation) or €85 (from adjudication). The outcome is a legally binding Determination Order, enforceable through the District Court if ignored. The tenancy generally must be registered, but you're not penalised for the landlord's failure to register. In short: yes — start online for €15.
📋 The rules
- The RTB resolves tenant–landlord disputes
- Stage 1: free mediation or binding adjudication
- Stage 2: appeal to a 3-person Tribunal
- Apply for just €15 online (€25 paper)
- Outcome is a binding Determination Order
🔓 Exceptions
- A neighbour can complain to the RTB about a tenant's anti-social behaviour
- You're not penalised if the landlord failed to register the tenancy
- Rent-a-room lodger arrangements fall outside RTB jurisdiction
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The final outcome is a Determination Order, which is legally binding; if a party ignores it, the other can apply to the District Court to enforce it. Fees are low: €15 online or €25 by paper for mediation/adjudication, and tribunal appeal fees of €30 (appealing a mediation outcome) or €85 (appealing an adjudication). Mediation is free to take part in and usually by phone; adjudication gives a binding determination. Major rental-law changes took effect on 1 March 2026. Beware a myth: "I have to go to court to challenge my landlord" is usually false — the RTB, not the courts, is the proper first venue for residential tenancy disputes, and you can start for as little as €15. To act: gather your evidence and apply to the RTB online.
📎 Official sources
- RTB — dispute resolution services →
- RTB — guide to adjudication →
- Citizens Information — disputes between landlords and tenants →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I take a dispute to the RTB?
You apply to the Residential Tenancies Board, either online for €15 or by paper for €25. You set out your dispute — for example over a deposit, rent arrears, an invalid notice of termination, or repairs. The RTB then offers mediation or adjudication. It's the proper first venue for most residential tenancy disputes, rather than the courts.
What's the difference between mediation and adjudication?
Mediation is free and usually conducted by phone, where a mediator helps both sides reach an agreement. Adjudication is a more formal hearing where an adjudicator makes a binding decision, resulting in a Determination Order. You choose which to apply for. If you're unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal to a three-person Tenancy Tribunal.
How much does it cost?
Applying for mediation or adjudication costs €15 online or €25 by paper. Mediation itself is free to take part in. If you want to appeal the outcome to the Tenancy Tribunal, it costs €30 to appeal a mediation result or €85 to appeal an adjudication. These low fees make the RTB much cheaper than going to court.
Is the RTB decision binding?
Yes. The final outcome of the RTB process is a Determination Order, which is legally binding on both parties. If the landlord or tenant fails to comply with it, the other party can apply to the District Court to have it enforced. So the RTB's decisions carry real legal weight behind them.
Does my tenancy have to be registered?
Generally the tenancy needs to be registered with the RTB for the dispute service to apply. However, you're not penalised as a tenant if your landlord failed to register the tenancy — the RTB can still hear your case. Lodger arrangements where you share the landlord's own home fall outside the RTB's jurisdiction.
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