Mistakes I Made Renting in Dublin – And How to Avoid Them
I lost €2,200 in my first 3 months in Dublin — not to theft, but to rental scams and ignorance.
Here are the 5 mistakes I made so you don’t have to:
Found a “great deal” on Facebook. Sent €1,000 deposit via bank transfer. Never saw the flat. Landlord vanished.
Mistake #2: Paid Deposit Without Receipt
My second landlord took €800 cash “as goodwill”. No contract. When I left, he refused to return it. No proof = no refund.
✅ Fix: Always pay via bank transfer. Get a signed lease + deposit receipt.
Mistake #3: Ignored the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board)
I didn’t know: All deposits must be protected with the RTB within 14 days. Mine wasn’t. Lost it forever.
✅ Check: Ask landlord for RTB registration number. Verify at rtb.ie.
Mistake #4: Signed an Illegal Contract
Contract said: “No guests allowed”, “Landlord can enter anytime”. Both are illegal under Irish law.
✅ Know Your Rights:
- Maximum deposit = 2 months’ rent
- Landlord must give 24h notice before entering
- Minimum lease = 6 months
Mistake #5: Didn’t Check “Rent Pressure Zone” (RPZ) Rules
Dublin is an RPZ. Rent can only increase by max 4% per year. My landlord raised it by 15%. I paid it — unaware.
What I Do Differently Now
- Always view property in person (or video call if abroad)
- Sign lease registered with RTB
- Take move-in photos + inventory list
- Join “Dublin Renters” Facebook group for advice
Renting in Dublin is tough — but knowledge is your best protection.