Student Services & Support | Renting Private Accommodation

Searching for private rental accommodation in Dublin can take time and may feel stressful. The demand for accommodation in the city is high, so it is important to allow enough time to search and attend viewings.

Around TU Dublin’s campuses, you will find a range of privately rented apartments and houses offered by individual landlords. These properties can be a good option if you want to live independently or share with friends. You can look for this type of accommodation on websites like daft.ie, rent.ie, or property.ie

We advise against booking private rental accommodation before arriving in Ireland, as it's much safer to secure your housing in person to avoid scams. It's a good idea to organise temporary accommodation for the first two weeks in Dublin. This way, once you are in the city, you can personally attend property viewings and make an informed decision about your new home.

Things to Consider:

Pros:

You can usually pay your rent every month.
You get to pick who you live with and set up your home your way.
The lease often lasts 12 months or more.
It can be cheaper than living in Purpose Built Student Accommodation.

Cons:

You need to be in Dublin to look for your place.
International students you should arrive before your classes start to have time for house hunting.
It takes time to find the right place and arrange viewings.
It can be tough to concentrate on your studies while searching for a place.
There's a risk of scams.

For a more detailed look at private accommodation options, including how to safely search and what to expect, read below to dive deeper into the information.

Smart Renting: Top Tips for TU Dublin Students

Below is a condensed guide for students renting during college from the RTB:

View Before You Commit: It’s crucial to see where you will live before signing a lease. With the rush of students looking for housing, don’t rush into the first option. Take the time to find the right fit for you.
Legitimate Landlords and Agents: Confirm that your landlord has registered with the RTB. If dealing with agents, they must be licensed; verify this on the psr.ie register
Basic Standards: Check that the rental meets the necessary standards.
Deposits: A landlord should only ask for one month's rent as a deposit. Get a receipt for any deposit you pay, and remember, pay by card or bank transfer.
Understand Your Lease: If sharing, make sure everyone knows their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the lease.
Rent Payments: By law, you shouldn’t pay more than one month's rent upfront, except in specific student accommodations where you may opt to pay more with the provider's agreement.
Ending Your Tenancy: You can end your student accommodation tenancy with 28 days’ notice, with certain conditions.
RTB Support: The RTB is there to help with any disputes and provides a Dispute Resolution Service for issues ranging from rent reviews to maintenance.

For more details on these points, including how to safely end a tenancy or retrieve a deposit, visit the RTB website or reach out to them directly for assistance.

The Garda website offers critical Rental Scam Awareness Advice to help you steer clear of fraudulent schemes. Ensure you are well-informed by visiting their Rental Scam Awareness section for essential tips and guidance.

Gain insight into your rights as a student tenant with Threshold's FAQ section, which provides clarity on the protections and entitlements you have while renting. Additionally, the Union of Students in Ireland offers a comprehensive FAQ to address common accommodation queries, and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission details the various scams to be aware of, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the rental landscape safely.

Be Vigilant: Avoiding Rental Scams

Rental scams can occur when searching for private accommodation. Scammers advertise genuine properties but provide their own contact details and request a deposit or rent before a viewing. They may claim they cannot show the property in person and send convincing photos or documents instead.

Be cautious when using social media to source accommodation. Always view a property in person before making any payment and use traceable payment methods.

If a rental offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For practical advice on recognising warning signs and protecting yourself when paying a deposit, see our Scam Prevention Guide : Accommodation Scam Prevention Stop.Check.Pay

Private Accommodation Resources

For those seeking student accommodation, the following websites can provide valuable information. Remember to apply the Smart Renting Tips outlined when searching:

If you are looking into privately renting a home while studying at TU Dublin, these websites might be helpful:

Alternative student accommodation is advertised on the TU Dublin StudentPad. Be sure to proceed with caution and due diligence when using these resources to find your new Dublin home.