Landlord not registered with RTB

landlords are legally required to register tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) within one month of the tenancy starting. If your landlord has not registered your tenancy, they are breaking the law — but you still have full rights as a tenant.

Your tenancy is still valid and protected under the Residential Tenancies Act. This means you are entitled to legal protections such as proper notice periods, the right to a safe and well-maintained home, and access to dispute resolution through the RTB — even if your landlord hasn’t registered.

Landlords who fail to register can face fines of up to €4,000 and possible prosecution. You can check if your tenancy is registered by contacting the RTB directly or visiting www.rtb.ie. If it’s not, you can report the issue — even anonymously

You also retain rights such as:

• Security of tenure after six months (usually up to six years)
• Privacy and peaceful enjoyment of the property
• Repairs and maintenance being the landlord’s responsibility

It’s also important to know that if your tenancy is not registered, you may be unable to claim the Rent Tax Credit from Revenue. There are some exceptions, so it’s worth checking with a tax advisor.

To protect yourself, keep written records of all communication with your landlord, especially regarding rent and repairs.

In summary, an unregistered tenancy is a problem for the landlord — not you. You still have legal rights, and the RTB can help enforce them.

no it’s not just what you can and cannot access is limited

I live in a house that is rented where there is no rental agreement or lease in place and where there are no actual 'tenancies' according to the landlord, as he's on the 'rent-a-room' scheme, even though he lives somewhere else.

We could be neighbours!!