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  6. Renting Private Accommodation

Renting Private Accommodation

Private rented accommodation includes houses, apartments and rooms in shared properties. 

Allow time for your search and check the location, travel time to your campus, total costs and length of commitment before agreeing to rent.

If you are sharing a home with the homeowner, visit Living with a Homeowner (Digs), as different arrangements and protections apply.

Finding Accommodation

Search TU Dublin StudentPad and property websites such as Daft.ie, Rent.ie and MyHome.ie. Set up alerts where available and contact advertisers directly to arrange viewings.

Check that the accommodation suits your budget and study dates. If you are arriving from abroad, plan how you will attend viewings and budget for temporary accommodation on arrival. Finding a suitable rental can take longer than expected.

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. 

Before You Commit

  • View and verify: View the property in person before paying. Confirm the identity of the landlord or agent and their authority to let it
  • Check the full cost: Include rent, utilities, internet, transport and any other agreed charges
  • Inspect the property: Check heating, ventilation, appliances, security and signs of damp or disrepair
  • Read the agreement: Confirm the tenancy dates, payment arrangements and conditions for leaving
  • Understand upfront payments: For a private tenancy, a landlord cannot require more than one month’s rent as a deposit and one month’s rent in advance
  • Keep records: Request a written agreement, retain payment receipts and take dated photographs or video of the property and its contents when moving in

Avoid pressure to pay quickly and use traceable payment methods. Read Accommodation Scam Prevention Stop.Check.Pay before making a payment.

Know Your Rights: RTB Student Renting Handbook

The Residential Tenancies Board’s RTB Student-Renting-Handbook-.pdf handbook explains accommodation types, deposits, rent, tenancy agreements, rights and responsibilities, ending a tenancy and resolving disputes.

RTB Student-Renting-Handbook-.pdf

For the latest rules, notice requirements and practical templates, visit the RTB website.

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

Advice and Support

If a problem arises, raise it with your landlord in writing and keep a record. Threshold provides independent advice on renting, while the RTB provides tenancy information and dispute resolution services.

For suspected accommodation fraud, contact your bank promptly if you have paid money and report the matter to An Garda Síochána.

Students, prospective students, parents and guardians can contact the Student Accommodation Team throughout the year for accommodation advice and guidance. 

Email: studentaccommodation@tudublin.ie
Phone: +353 1 220 5600