My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?

Direct answer

The landlord must keep the home in usable condition: heating, water, electricity, a roof that does not leak. Write a dated repair request with a deadline (two weeks is normal, 24 hours for no heating in winter) — the letter is what every next step is built on. Then Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) (0818 303 037) is the body for tenancy disputes in Ireland, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Threshold (1800 454 454) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — HSE Environmental Health Service / council housing inspection (hse.ie) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstResidential Tenancies Board (RTB)

Report toThreshold

If that failsHSE Environmental Health Service / council housing inspection

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] the [heating / boiler / roof / …] at [address] is [defect]. I asked you on [date] with no result. Please repair it by [deadline]. If not, I will reduce the rent proportionally from [date] and refer the matter to Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)."

🪜 Step by step

Write, dated, with photosEmail or letter with the defect, the date it started, photos and a deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Know the remediesRent reduction from the day of the report in most countries; repair yourself and deduct after a written warning; the tenancy board for anything bigger.
Health or safety at risk? HSE Environmental Health Service / council housing inspectionThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)Free or low-fee, no lawyer. Bring the letters and photos. Decisions bind the landlord.
Do not stop paying rent outrightReduce proportionally and say why in writing; a full stop can become grounds for eviction.

📇 All contacts

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

ThresholdFree housing advice charityBefore you write, and for the wording📞 1800 454 454 🔗 www.threshold.ie

HSE Environmental Health Service / council housing inspectionUnfit housing, mould, pests, noise, food hygieneWhen health is at risk at home🔗 www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/environ

Your city or county councilNuisances, roads, waste, lost property, environmental complaintsFor anything the council handles🔗 www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/1a5c8-local-authorities

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

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fix it and deduct the cost?

In most countries yes, after a written notice with a reasonable deadline, for necessary repairs, at a reasonable price. Keep the invoices. Check with Threshold first for your country's rule.

How much rent reduction?

Proportional to the loss of use: a broken boiler in winter can justify 20–50 %, a dripping tap almost nothing. Threshold has tables from past decisions.

The landlord threatens to evict me for complaining

Retaliatory eviction is not a valid ground anywhere in the EU. Keep everything in writing and tell Threshold.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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

“landlord refuses repairs Ireland”
“rent reduction repairs not done”
“tenant rights repairs Ireland”
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🔧 My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?