Ireland’s rental market is one of the most competitive in Europe, with high demand and limited availability making it a nightmare for tenants. Unfortunately, this has also led to a rise in housing scams, illegal practices, and landlords exploiting renters who don’t know their rights.

From fake rental listings to illegal rent hikes, many Irish tenants are falling victim to fraud, overcharging, and unfair evictions. Here’s what you need to know about housing scams in Ireland and how to protect yourself as a renter.

1. Common Housing Scams in Ireland

With demand for rental properties at an all-time high, scammers are taking advantage of desperate tenants. Here are the most common rental scams:

1.1 Fake Listings & Phantom Landlords

• Fraudsters create fake property listings using stolen photos from real ads.
• They demand a deposit upfront before the tenant even views the property.
• Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears, and the rental doesn’t actually exist.

How to Protect Yourself:
✔ Never send money before viewing a property in person.
✔ Verify the landlord’s identity—ask for proof of ownership.
✔ If the rent seems too cheap for the area, it’s likely a scam.

1.2 Deposit Theft & Illegal Fees

• Some landlords and agencies charge excessive deposits or upfront fees that are not legally required.
• Others refuse to return deposits at the end of the tenancy, citing false damage claims.

What’s Legal?
✔ Deposits cannot exceed one month’s rent under Irish law.
✔ Landlords cannot charge extra “administration fees” or key deposits.
✔ Any deposit deductions must be justified with evidence (e.g., repair receipts).

1.3 Rental Fraud Targeting Students & Foreign Workers

• Students and non-Irish residents are prime targets for rental scams.
• Many are tricked into paying deposits remotely before moving to Ireland.
• Scammers pose as landlords, offering apartments that don’t exist or double-renting rooms.

How to Stay Safe:
✔ If you’re an international renter, use reputable websites like Daft.ie and MyHome.ie.
✔ Avoid landlords who refuse to meet in person or pressure you into paying quickly.
✔ Check if the property is actually listed elsewhere—scammers often copy ads from legitimate sites.

1.4 Illegal Rent Increases & Lease Violations

• Many landlords illegally raise rents above the Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) limits.
• Some ignore lease agreements, changing terms mid-tenancy.
• Others pressure tenants to sign unfair agreements with hidden fees or unreasonable eviction clauses.

Know Your Rights:
✔ Rent increases in RPZs (e.g., Dublin, Cork, Galway) cannot exceed 2% per year.
✔ You must receive 90 days’ notice for any rent increase.
✔ A lease agreement cannot override your legal tenant rights—even if you signed it.

2. The Most Common Landlord Violations in Ireland

Even legitimate landlords sometimes ignore rental laws, relying on the fact that many tenants don’t know their rights.

Here are some of the biggest illegal landlord practices:

2.1 Unfair Evictions & Pressure to Vacate

• Illegal evictions are on the rise, with some landlords kicking out tenants without proper notice.
• Some pressure tenants to leave by claiming they need the property for a family member—only to relist it at a higher price.

Your Rights:
✔ Landlords must give written notice for an eviction—verbal evictions are not legal.
✔ The minimum eviction notice period is 90 days for tenancies under 3 years and 180 days for tenancies over 3 years.
✔ If a landlord evicts you for a family member to move in, they must provide proof and cannot re-rent the property for 12 months.

2.2 Withholding Deposits Without Reason

• Some landlords make false claims of damage to keep tenants’ deposits.
• Others refuse to return deposits after tenants move out.

What to Do:
✔ Take photos of the property when you move in and out.
✔ Ask for receipts if a landlord claims repairs are needed.
✔ If your deposit is unfairly withheld, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

2.3 Ignoring Maintenance Issues

• Landlords must keep properties in good condition, but many ignore repair requests.
• Mould, heating failures, and broken appliances are common complaints.

Know Your Rights:
✔ Your landlord must fix essential issues (e.g., no hot water, unsafe electrics).
✔ If they refuse, report it to the RTB or get repairs done and deduct from rent (with receipts).

3. How to Protect Yourself as a Renter in Ireland

✔ Use Legitimate Rental Websites – Avoid Facebook Marketplace or random WhatsApp ads.
✔ Get Everything in Writing – Leases, payment receipts, and agreements should be documented.
✔ Know the Law – Familiarise yourself with RPZ rules, eviction laws, and deposit rights.
✔ Report Illegal Practices – If your landlord breaks the law, contact the RTB or Threshold (renter advocacy group).
✔ Check a Landlord’s Background – Look up the property ownership on the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

4. Where to Get Help

If you are facing rental issues or suspect a scam, here are key resources for Irish renters:

📌 Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) – Handles rental disputes and legal rights. (www.rtb.ie)
📌 Threshold Ireland – Provides free tenant support and legal advice. (www.threshold.ie)
📌 Citizen’s Information – Offers legal guidance on housing rights. (www.citizensinformation.ie)

Final Thoughts

Ireland’s rental market is tough, and scams, illegal evictions, and unfair landlord practices are making it even harder for tenants. With high demand and low supply, renters need to be extra cautious and know their rights to avoid being exploited.

By staying informed, documenting everything, and reporting scams, tenants can protect themselves and hold landlords accountable.

🏡 Have you been affected by a rental scam or unfair landlord? Share your story and help raise awareness!

Stay updated and informed with itson.ie.