Finding the right place for you

 

It is likely that you will be initially living in rented accommodation here in Ireland. There is a great demand for rented houses, particularly in Dublin, so make sure to look for longer term accommodation as soon as you know your start date.

The usual place to find rental listings is through an accommodation website.

You will first need to arrange some short-term accommodation, if this has not been arranged for you by the recruitment agency.  We recommend that you also start to research longer-term accommodation at that point, so that you become familiar with the types of accommodation available and the typical rent.   When looking for accommodation, please follow the guidelines below which will help you avoid any accommodation ‘scams’.

Here are some top tips to help with your search.

  1. Make sure you research the advertised property, use online maps to verify it exists, or go and see it in person.
  2. Keep your searches to reputable accommodation websites such as www.daft.ie, www.myhome.ie or www.rent.ie
  3. Research the areas that are suitable to you. Are they in a safe neighbourhood? Are there good transport links to your place of work?
  4. Research the rent prices for similar prices in that area.
  5. View the property yourself in person before handing over any deposit or rent. If possible, take someone with you to view the property too.
  6. Try out all the locks yourself with the keys you receive.
  7. Ask the landlord for a written lease or rent book before paying any money.
  8. Pay only by card or bank transfer. You may be able to get money back if something goes wrong.
  9. Get a proper receipt in writing for any payment you make.
  10. Keep all contact details for the landlord, agent or advertiser.
  11. Hold on to copies of any email/phone messages between you and the landlord/agent.
  12. Landlords are required to register their tenancies annually with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Check the RTB Register to make sure the rental property you’re looking at is registered.

Like any other country, you may encounter rental accommodation scams where somebody tries to con you out of your money by pretending to offer you a property or room to rent. Often the person advertising the property doesn’t have the right to rent it out and, sometimes, the property may not even exist. If you stick to the tips above, you will avoid falling for any scams.

You will understandably be eager to source long-term accommodation ahead of your arrival in Ireland but do not commit to a property or hand over money unless you are certain it is genuine. If you are coming through an employment agency, they may arrange short-term housing for you.