Renting in Ireland: Everything you need to know

Whether you're moving for work, study, or to experience a new culture, finding a place to rent in Ireland is exciting, but you probably have a few burning questions at the tip of your tongue.

So, how does renting in Ireland work? In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about the application process, rent prices, additional costs, necessary documents, types of properties, and much more.

We’ll also introduce Wise, an international account for sending, spending, and converting money like a local. Use it to pay your rent in Ireland and save on fees.

Learn more about Wise

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Table of contents
Can an American rent property in Ireland? How much is rent in Ireland? What documents do I need to rent in Ireland? Renting abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise Types of property to rent in Ireland How do I find a property to rent in Ireland? Things to consider when looking for a place to rent How to apply for a property to rent in Ireland Tenancy contracts in Ireland

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Can an American rent property in Ireland?

Yes, an American can rent property in Ireland. That said, it's important to have all of your documents in order because the rental market is competitive, especially in major cities like Dublin.

You'll typically need to show your landlord proof of your legal ability to live in Ireland for the duration of your lease. It's also helpful to have an Irish bank account for paying rent and utilities.

How much is rent in Ireland?

In 2024, Ireland's rental market is struggling to meet rising demand. There are not enough homes available compared to the number of people trying to find somewhere to live.

As a result, the cost of rentals in Ireland continues to rise. Nearly 30% of new rental agreements across Ireland now cost over 2,000 EUR (~2,174 USD) per month. In Dublin, this figure rises to over 50%.¹

That said, it's still possible to find affordable apartments and houses for rent in Ireland, especially if you move further away from cities like Dublin and Cork.

City	Monthly Rent for 1-Bedroom
Dublin²	1,900-2,500 USD
Cork³	1,400-1,700 USD
Galway⁴	1,450-1,700 USD
Limerick⁵	1,400-1,800 USD
Waterford⁶	1,300-1,650 USD

Wondering how much that would cost in EUR? Check out this handy conversion calculator

What additional costs will apply?

In addition to monthly rent, there are a few other expenses you'll need to cover.

Utilities are typically not included in rent in Ireland. You will also have to pay a security deposit. Some landlords require higher security deposits, but they can’t exceed more than one month’s rent.⁷

Category	Cost
Deposit	One month’s rent⁷
Trash collection	20 USD⁸
Utility costs	150-250 USD⁹
Internet	50-60 USD⁹

What documents do I need to rent in Ireland?

To rent an apartment or house in Ireland, you'll typically need the following documents:

• Passport or another form of ID
• Valid Irish visa or residency card
• Proof of income (pay stubs, employment contract, or bank statements)
• References from previous landlords

If you're a student, a parent or guardian may be able to show proof of income on your behalf.

Your landlord may also need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Getting a PPS as a foreigner can be tricky. If you don't have a PPS number, get in touch with the Department of Social Protection (DSP) or hire a lawyer to complete the procedure for you.

Renting abroad? Send money the hassle-free way with Wise

Wise offers you a quick, secure and transparent way of sending money to Ireland. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.

With the Wise Account you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 9 different currencies.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Types of property to rent in Ireland

Apartments, semi-detached houses, and detached houses are the most popular types of property to rent in Ireland, but there are many options available.

Apartments

In Ireland, you'll find anything from small studios to multi-bedroom units. Most apartments in Ireland come furnished, which means that you'll be able to move in right away.

Detached and Semi-Detached Houses

Semi-detached houses are homes sharing one wall with a neighbor. This option offers more privacy and space, but is typically cheaper than a standalone house.

Suburban and rural areas often have semi-detached or standalone houses available for rent, and you can find more affordable options as you move further away from big cities.

Ireland Vacation Rentals

Staying in a short-term rental during your first few months in Ireland allows you to explore different areas before committing to a more permanent solution.

Student Housing

Areas near universities sometimes have lower-cost accommodations specifically for students.

Flatshares

With rental costs rising, many people are also starting to consider renting with roommates. Shared apartments or houses are a great way to save money on rent and utilities, but they come with less privacy.

Renting or sharing apartments is more popular in bigger cities like Dublin, Cork, and Limerick.

Considering buying instead of renting? Read our full guide on buying property in Ireland as an American.

How do I find a property to rent in Ireland?

Finding a property to rent in Ireland is pretty straightforward. However, the market is competitive, so you should be prepared to act quickly once you find an apartment or home you like.

Real estate agents

Many Americans use real estate agents to find a property to rent in Ireland because it simplifies the search process.

Real estate agents have an extensive knowledge of the local market and can help you find properties that meet your requirements. They can also help you handle the paperwork and negotiate on your behalf.

Keep in mind that you'll be responsible for covering your real estate agent's fee, not your landlord.

Online property portals

You can find rentals in Ireland using online property portals such as Daft.ie, Rent.ie, and MyHome.ie. Filter by location, price, and property type to see photos of different apartments and houses. Spend a couple of hours researching to narrow down available options.

Once you find a few listings you like, get in touch with the landlord or real estate agent to arrange a viewing.

Social media

Facebook groups and other social media sites often have rental listings. Social media is especially effective for finding roommates and shared accommodations. You may also be able to find some sublets and other lower-budget options.

How to avoid scams when renting in Ireland

With the high demand and rising rental prices, there's a risk of rental scams in Ireland. Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Make sure you see the property first and sign an official rental contract before paying your deposit or rent
• Visit the property to make sure that it matches the description and photos, and that the person renting it out is legitimate
• Use reputable websites and agencies and stick to registered real estate agents
• When using social media, only respond to legitimate-looking postings and make sure to schedule a viewing before committing to anything

Avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Notice when a landlord or real estate agents are putting pressure on you to pay and stay vigilant.

Things to consider when looking for a place to rent

The Irish real estate market is competitive, so it can be tempting to commit to the first rental you see. This can lead to disappointment in the long run.

Do your research and make a list of important factors to find a place that suits your needs and lifestyle.

Here are a few things to consider:

Item	Details
Location	Look for a place close to your work or school to minimize the commute
Amenities	Check if the area has grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, parks, and other amenities you'd often use
Public transportation	Check if the property is close to buses, trams, or trains to get around Ireland
Property condition	Look for signs of mold, maintenance issues, or wear and tear and ask about any recent renovations or repairs, especially in older properties
Safety	Ask your landlord about the safety of the neighborhood and look at crime rates
Lease terms	Pay attention to the clauses about rent increases, maintenance responsibilities, and termination notice periods
Parking	Check if there's on-site or street parking if you have a car
Utilities	Utilities are typically not included in your rent in Ireland, but you can ask for an estimate of the monthly costs
Pets	If you have a pet or are thinking of getting one in the future, make sure that the property is pet-friendly and ask about any pet-related fees
Noise	Think about how much traffic, construction, and nightlife noise you're willing to live with
Subletting	Ask your landlord if you're allowed to rent out the house or apartment for extra income

When you find a rental you like, be prepared to act quickly and make an offer to the landlord. There are typically multiple people looking at the same listing. Wise makes it easy to get your payments to your landlord fast with minimal fees.*

How to apply for a property to rent in Ireland

Applying for a property to rent in Ireland is not complicated, but it's important to have all of your documents in order and move quickly to secure your rental. The process varies slightly depending on if you work with a property agency or rent directly from a landlord.

Property agencies

Your real estate agent will find properties that fit your requirements and schedule viewings. Once you decide which option is your favorite, they'll help you prepare the paperwork and make your offer.

Your real estate agent will also help you understand important clauses of your rental contract. In case you want to alter the contract, your agent can help with the negotiations. Once the contract is signed, you'll need to pay your deposit and rent for the first month.

Private landlords

Applying with a private landlord is similar but you have to communicate with them directly.

Once you make your offer, the landlord can accept or decline it. If they accept, you'll need to submit the necessary documents, sign the contract, and make your first payment. Always make sure that you receive a formal lease agreement.

Tenancy contracts in Ireland

Tenancy contracts, also known as lease agreements, are legally binding documents that outline the terms of your rental arrangement. They protect both you and your landlord in case of a disagreement.

A standard contract typically includes:

• Names and IDs of the tenant and the landlord
• Property address
• The rent amount and when it must be paid
• Contract duration
• Responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord
• Maintenance and repairs clauses
• Termination notice periods

In Ireland, short-term leases are typically less than one year. Long-term leases can be for one year or more. The most common lease duration is one year. In case of a dispute, you can get support from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Tenant laws and rights in Ireland

Tenants in Ireland have rights and protections under the law. You have the right to:

• ask tenants or neighbors to stop making noise for the quiet and exclusive enjoyment of your home
• contact your landlord or their agent at any reasonable time
• be reimbursed for any repairs that you carry out that are the landlord's responsibility
• have visitors to stay overnight or for short periods, unless your contract explicitly forbids this
• receive at least 90 days’ notice if your landlord wants to increase the rent

Your landlord can't enter the property without your permission. If your landlord wants you to leave the property, they need to give you the correct amount of notice and, in some cases, a valid reason why they're terminating your lease.¹⁰

What’s the best city to rent in Ireland?

Ireland is a small country with many great cities to live in. Popular options include:

• Dublin
• Cork
• Galway
• Limerick
• Waterford

If you want to rent in the capital, Dublin, be prepared for higher prices compared to the rest of the country. Ireland's second-largest city, Cork, has a slightly lower cost of living than Dublin.

On the other hand, Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and comes with more affordable prices.

Read further
Living in Ireland: pros and cons How to move to Ireland: Step-by-step guide Driving in Ireland as an American: full guide Jobs in Ireland for Americans How to obtain Irish citizenship: What you need to know How to retire to Ireland: A complete guide

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Sources:

1. The Irish Times - Rents continue to rise across Ireland with almost 30% of tenancies over €2,000 a month
2. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Dublin
3. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Cork
4. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Galway
5. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Limerick
6. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Waterford
7. Residential Tenancies Board - Security Deposits
8. Switcher - How to choose a bin collection service in Ireland
9. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Ireland
10. Citizens Information - If your landlord wants you to leave

Sources checked 07.30.2024