Deposit unfairly retained across Ireland

For renters in Ireland, it has become a normal experience for deposits to not be returned in full. Every renter has a story of a time they were leaving a rented home and their deposit was unfairly kept. Painting, professional cleaning, and many other small jobs are commonly cited as the reason to retain part or all of the deposit, often without receipts or proof. It is just part of renting today. 

There are vulnerable people in tenancies all over the country who are on the margins of homelessness and simply cannot afford to lose their deposits. While renters can challenge the deposit being unfairly retained and take the matter to the RTB, that can be a lengthy and difficult process which does not help renters get their urgently needed money back.  

We have been proposing that deposits be held by an independent third party since 2009. Change needs to happen and Government agrees, but due to low numbers of tenants taking cases to the RTB, Government does not see a need to address this.  

We know that the low number of cases brought to the RTB does not reflect the reality of renters.  

Now it is up to you to show the real need, to tell your stories. You and your experience are crucial to getting this much needed change for all renters realised. We have created a map to show Government just the tip of the iceberg of renter’s experiences as we know stories are what make change. 

What we need you to do is very simple – just tell us your story of a time your deposit was unfairly kept by your landlord. We have a form linked below which asks a few questions of your experience. Thank you for helping renters across Ireland.