Dublin Guide

Your Guide to Renting in Dublin

Everything you need to know about finding a home in Ireland — whether you're moving from abroad or just new to Dublin.

Neighbourhoods

Dublin Area Guide

Each Dublin neighbourhood has its own character. Here's what you need to know.

Grand Canal Dock

Silicon Docks

tech hub

Tech hub with Google, Meta, and LinkedIn. Modern apartments, waterfront living, excellent restaurants.

€1,800 - €3,500/mo
DART, LUAS Red Line
Tech professionals, Young professionals

Rathmines

The Village Feel

village

Vibrant village atmosphere with Victorian redbricks, great cafes, and easy city access.

€1,500 - €2,500/mo
Dublin Bus, 15 min cycle
Young professionals, Couples

Drumcondra

Northside Gem

suburban

Family-friendly area near Croke Park with good schools and strong community feel.

€1,200 - €2,000/mo
Dublin Bus, Rail
Families, Budget-conscious

Ranelagh

Trendy Southside

village

Hip neighbourhood with excellent brunch spots, boutiques, and leafy streets.

€1,600 - €2,800/mo
LUAS Green Line
Foodies, Young professionals

Sandyford

Business District

suburban

Modern business park area with new apartment complexes and direct LUAS to city centre.

€1,400 - €2,300/mo
LUAS Green Line, M50
Commuters, Tech workers

Smithfield

Creative Quarter

urban

Up-and-coming northside area with converted warehouses, markets, and cultural venues.

€1,300 - €2,200/mo
LUAS Red Line
Creatives, Culture lovers
Advice

Tips for Renting in Dublin

The Dublin rental market moves fast. Here's how to stay ahead.

Be Ready to Move Fast

  • Have all documents ready before you start searching
  • Respond to listings within hours, not days
  • Be prepared to view properties at short notice
  • Have deposit funds readily available

Prepare Your Documents

  • Employer reference letter (salary, contract type)
  • Previous landlord reference if available
  • Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
  • Proof of employment or university enrollment

Understand the Costs

  • Expect 1-2 months deposit upfront
  • First month rent usually due on signing
  • Budget for utilities (€100-200/month extra)
  • Check if rent includes bins, parking, etc.

Protect Yourself

  • Always get a written lease agreement
  • Take photos of the property before moving in
  • Register your tenancy with the RTB
  • Never pay cash without receipts
Moving from Abroad

Renting Without Irish References

No Irish rental history? Here's how to make your application stand out.

What Landlords Want to See

  • Proof of stable income (employment contract, offer letter)
  • Reference from employer in Ireland or abroad
  • Bank statements showing sufficient funds
  • Professional introduction email explaining your situation
  • Willingness to pay extra deposit (if needed)

Pro Tips for Internationals

  • Mention your employer name — especially if well-known
  • Offer video call viewings if you can't view in person
  • Consider short-term rentals first while you search
  • Use our AI email generator to write professional inquiries
  • Be upfront about your situation — honesty builds trust
Checklist

Relocation Checklist

Your step-by-step guide to settling in Dublin

Before You Arrive

First Week in Dublin

After Signing Lease

Glossary

Understanding Irish Rental Terms

BER Rating

Building Energy Rating (A-G). A is most efficient. Affects heating costs significantly.

Eircode

Ireland's postcode system. Useful for finding exact property locations.

RTB

Residential Tenancies Board. Registers tenancies and resolves disputes.

Daft / MyHome

Major property listing websites in Ireland. We aggregate from these sources.

Letting Agent

Property agent who manages rentals on behalf of landlords.

Part 4 Tenancy

After 6 months, you gain additional rights including security of tenure.

Know Your Rights

Tenant Rights in Ireland

Security of Tenure

After 6 months of continuous tenancy, you gain Part 4 rights. Your landlord can only end your tenancy for specific reasons.

Rent Pressure Zones

In designated areas (most of Dublin), rent increases are capped at 2% per year or inflation, whichever is lower.

Minimum Notice Periods

Landlords must give notice based on tenancy length. After 6 months, minimum 90 days notice is required.

Deposit Protection

Landlords can only retain deposits for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Document everything.

Repairs & Maintenance

Landlords must maintain the property to minimum standards. Report issues in writing and keep copies.

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