People who have been priced out of the housing market or who are simply content with renting for the time being have improved rights since the enactment of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
Most of the measures in the Act came into effect last month with the remainder scheduled to be in force by the end of the year.
Under the Act, tenants have the following rights:
Security of tenure for up to four years once they have lived in the property for six months, except in certain circumstances, such as if the landlord intends to sell or refurbish the property or needs it for personal use.
Eviction notice periods of at least 28 days and up to 16 weeks once they have lived in the property for four years or more.
Access to the Private Residential Tenancies Board, which will deal with disputes such as those involving deposit refunds, breaches of tenancy obligations, lease terms and rent arrears.
Landlords are obliged to carry out repairs or reimburse tenants for expenditure on repairs, while tenants are obliged not to engage in or allow anti-social behaviour.
Rents may not be greater than the open market rate and may be reviewed only once a year, expect in cases where the property has been substantially changed.
Under the Act, landlords must refund deposits unless there is outstanding rent owed or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Deposits equal to one months' rent are standard in the private rental sector.
In general, tenants are advised to make sure they receive a receipt for their deposit and make sure there is an inspection of the property before they move in - or at least an inventory of contents - so they cannot be held accountable for any existing damage or missing items.
Tenants are also advised to read any lease agreement carefully before signing as they are legally binding documents.
Finally, tenants should ensure they do not inherit any unpaid bills relating to periods before they move in.
People who receive a social welfare payment or back-to-work allowance are eligible for a rent supplement.
There is also tax relief available on rent paid. To claim back a maximum of €254 (or €508 for people aged 55 and over), tenants will need to know their landlord's PPS number and address.
The relief can then be claimed by filling out the Revenue form Rent 1. You may be asked for a receipt for the rent paid.
If the landlord resides outside the country and the rent is paid directly to him or her, tenants must deduct from the gross rent tax at the standard rate, currently 20 per cent.
So if the rent is €1,000, tenants should pay the overseas-based landlord €800 and account for the other €200 by reducing their tax credits or in their notice of self-assessment.
