Q: My private rented accommodation is damp and mouldy. Does the landlord have to fix this?

A: Yes, your landlord has a legal duty to make sure that your home meets certain minimum physical standards. This includes keeping it in a proper state of structural repair and free from damp.

Does my landlord have to provide a washing machine?

Yes, your landlord must provide you with access to a washing machine, and a clothes-dryer if your home does not have a private garden or yard.

Some of the other things they must provide include:

* A 4-ring hob with oven and grill
* A cooker hood or extractor fan
* A microwave oven
* A sink with hot and cold water
* A well ventilated bathroom which is in a separate room from the living quarters
* A fixed heating appliance in each room which you can control
* Vermin-proof rubbish storage facilities

Is my landlord responsible if my possessions are damaged because of an issue with the property, for example, if the pipes burst?

While the landlord is responsible for keeping the building in good repair they are not generally responsible for any damage to your possessions. Several insurance companies provide contents insurance for private tenants.

What should I do if my house does not meet the minimum standards?

First speak to your landlord about the problem. Put your complaint in writing and include as many details as possible, including photographs, videos and any receipts for repairs you did at your own expense. If your landlord refuses to carry out the necessary repairs, you should report them to your local authority.
Read more about standards for rented accommodation on citizensinformation.ie.

I am moving out of my rented accommodation, when will I get my deposit back?

If you haven’t broken your tenancy agreement, you should get your deposit back soon after you move out. The landlord may need time to inspect or repair the property. You should expect to get your deposit back within two weeks of moving out, though this is not a legal requirement.

Can my landlord keep my deposit?

Your landlord can only keep your deposit for the following reasons:

* Rent arrears (unpaid or outstanding rent)
* Unpaid bills
* Damage to the property above normal wear and tear
* You did not give adequate notice

What should I do if the landlord tells me they will not return my deposit because the property is damaged?

Your landlord can only keep your deposit if the property is damaged above what is considered normal wear and tear. If you don’t have photos of the property from when you moved in and out, you should ask for photographic evidence of the damage from the landlord. If they say the repairs have been done ask to see the receipts for the work. Keep a record of all your correspondence.

What do I do next if my landlord still won’t return my deposit?

You can make a complaint to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB deals with most disputes between landlords and tenants, rather than the courts. You can apply for dispute resolution by mediation on the RTB’s website for free.

Read more about resolving a dispute with your landlord on citizensinformation.ie.

You can call a member of the local Citizens Information Service in Kerry on 0818 07 7860. The telephone lines are staffed from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. The National Phone Service is available on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.

Alternatively, you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie.