Looking for a flat or house to rent

Introduction

If you will soon be moving from one part of the country or city to another, or have recently arrived in Ireland, you need to look for somewhere to live. The volume and range of rental accommodation available will normally depend on where you are moving to. Larger cities and towns may offer greater options and price ranges than smaller towns and villages. On the other hand, rental prices outside larger urban areas are generally lower.

Advertisements, accommodation websites and word of mouth

A good place to start looking for a flat, apartment or house is the accommodation section of local and evening newspapers and accommodation websites. Try to buy the newspaper as soon as it comes out. Accommodation may also be advertised in shop windows or notice boards in supermarkets and colleges. Tell everyone you know that you're looking for a place; word of mouth is surprisingly successful. Some places, especially if they're being let through an estate agent, will have 'To Let' signs outside.

You should make an appointment to see the flat or house. Turn up early for your appointment.

Using accommodation or letting agencies

Accommodation agencies or letting agencies are commercial organisations that help you find private rented accommodation. They normally deal with more expensive accommodation than newspapers do. They may also charge a fee. Before you register with the agency, you should get answers to the following questions:

• Is the agency licensed?
• What services are offered?
• If you pay a fee, in what circumstances will you be entitled to a refund?
• If you are entitled to Rent Supplement, how many landlords who accept Rent Supplement does the agency have on its list?
• If you decide to register, make sure you get a receipt for any money you pay.

Looking round a flat or house

Have a good look round the accommodation before making a decision. You might find the following checklist helpful:

• Are there any signs of dampness?
• Do the windows open?
• What security is available (such as window locks, burglar alarm)?
• Is a smoke detector provided and is it functioning?
• Who pays for the heat? What hours is it on, and who controls it?
• Is hot water available all or some of the time?
• Are the cooker and fridge clean and in working order?
• What sort of condition is the bathroom in?
• Do you have to share the bathroom, if so, with how many others?
• Is there storage for bicycles, parking space etc.?
• Is there a bus route or other public transport nearby?
• Are there shops and other facilities nearby?

Deposits

Landlords will usually ask for a deposit, which might be a week or month's rent. If you are receiving social welfare payments, your Community Welfare Officer may help with paying a deposit, although you may have to pay some of it yourself. Make sure you get a receipt for any deposit you pay. You may lose your deposit if:

• You leave without giving proper notice or leave before the end of a fixed term lease
• You cause damage to the accommodation beyond normal wear and tear
• You leave with bills or rent unpaid.

Before you agree to rent

Make sure you can afford the rent being asked.

If you will be claiming Rent Supplement, make sure you know the local maximum rent level allowed. It is sensible to tell the landlord at this stage that you will be claiming it, since not all landlords will take tenants on Rent Supplement. The Community Welfare Officer in your local health centre will need your landlord's signature so he/she will have to know sooner or later. Read more about Rent Supplement and other supports in 'Help with paying the rent'.

Be aware of your rights and your obligations as a tenant and your landlord's rights and obligations. Your landlord, for example, is obliged to provide you with a rent book. They are also obliged to ensure that the accommodation meets certain minimum physical standards. They should also register the tenancy with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). As well as registering tenancies, the PRTB helps to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.

If the landlord wants to give you a fixed-term lease of six months or a year, don't agree to this unless you're sure you want to stay that long. If you leave before the end of a fixed-term lease, you may lose your deposit. Read more about the different types of tenancy.

You should draw up and agree a list of furnishings and appliances provided, with the landlord. This will help to prevent disputes during your stay and when you are leaving. If there are any signs of damage by previous tenants, make sure this is noted too. This list should be included in the rent book.

If there are outstanding repairs, ask the landlord to state in writing that s/he will carry them out.

Be aware, you are not covered by landlord and tenant legislation if you are sharing accommodation with your landlord.

Threshold, the housing organisation, is a useful source of information and advice on landlord and tenant issues. It has produced a guide for people looking for somewhere to rent.