Deposit rules explained
What a landlord can and cannot ask for.
Deposits in Ireland
By law:
- The maximum deposit is one month's rent.
- The maximum advance rent is one month's rent.
- So the most you should pay upfront is two months rent (one deposit + one month in advance).
Getting your deposit back
The landlord can only withhold your deposit for:
- Unpaid rent
- Unpaid utility bills
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
They must return the rest promptly. If they don't, open an RTB dispute.
Red flags
- Asking for more than one month deposit → illegal
- Cash-only deposits → always get a receipt
- No tenancy agreement in writing → walk away
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