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Housing · Ireland
Updated September 2026

🚪 My landlord gave me notice to leave — is it valid, and who helps?

Direct answer

A landlord can only end a tenancy on the grounds the law lists, in writing, with the legal notice period, and in most countries only a court can actually evict you. A notice by text message, or "because I want to", is usually void. Do not move out on the strength of a letter. Threshold (1800 454 454) checks the notice for free and represents tenants; Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) (0818 303 037) decides disputes about validity and can extend the tenancy on hardship grounds; Legal Aid Board / FLAC (0818 615 200) is your free legal aid if it reaches court.

Call firstThreshold
Report toResidential Tenancies Board (RTB)
If that failsLegal Aid Board / FLAC

🗣️ What to say

"I received your notice of [date] ending the tenancy of [address] on [date]. I do not accept it: [no legal ground / period too short / not in the required form]. I will remain in the property and continue to pay the rent. Any further step must go through Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) / the court."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Do not leave, keep payingLeaving on an invalid notice forfeits your rights; not paying gives them a valid ground.
  2. Check ground, form, periodSale of the property, own use, renovation, arrears — each has conditions and a minimum period. Threshold checks it in one appointment.
  3. Object in writingWithin any objection deadline on the notice. State that you do not accept and why.
  4. Hardship extension: Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)Age, illness, children in school, no alternative housing — many countries let the board or court extend or refuse the eviction.
  5. Court and legal aid: Legal Aid Board / FLACOnly a court order plus a bailiff can remove you. Legal aid covers tenants on low income.

📇 All contacts

ThresholdFree housing advice charityBefore you write, and for the wording📞 1800 454 454🔗 www.threshold.ie
Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)Dispute resolution for deposits, free adjudicationWhen the landlord has not returned it within a reasonable time📞 0818 303 037🔗 www.rtb.ie
Legal Aid Board / FLACCivil legal aid on low income; free legal advice clinics (FLAC)When you cannot afford a solicitor📞 0818 615 200🔗 www.legalaidboard.ie
District Court — small claimsClaims up to €2,000 without a solicitorWhen the other side is not a landlord under RTB rules🔗 www.courts.ie/small-claims

❓ Frequently asked

The landlord changed the locks

That is illegal in every EU country. Call the police, document it, and Threshold will get you back in and claim damages.

I am behind on rent

Arrears are a valid ground, but paying up before the hearing stops most evictions. Talk to debt advice the same week.

They say they need the flat for family

"Own use" requires a genuine, provable need and the full notice period; a sham own-use claim entitles you to compensation.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “eviction notice valid Ireland”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

📈Rent increase→🔑Deposit not returned→🔊Noisy neighbours→🔧Landlord won't repair→

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