Accommodation
We have made every effort to to include as much information as possible in this section, but remember if you have any questions, you can contact Clare Cullen on 086 603 1075 / 01 402 4530 or Aimee O'Callaghan on 086 815 1468 or 01 402 4510. Alternatively call into any SU office.
STEP 1
Finding Accommodation. Where to look?
Check the noticeboards in your Union, our online Accommodation Listing, The Evening Herald (best days Mon & Thur), local area papers & classified ads. Some Letting Agents/Real Estate Agents consider students. We have a list of those who do.
Word of Mouth also works wonders. Ask everyone you meet. Spread the word that you're looking and you'd be surprised who knows a landlord or someone moving out. If you are interested in a particular area, put up notices in shops.
Also, check out our guide to the different areas of the city to see where would best suit you to live.
STEP 2
Call to Your Local SU office for maps, directions and advice.
- Always view a property in person.
- Meet the landlord at the property to check the condition.
- You have the right to ask for identification.
- Consider the distance between the property and college.
- Never send or wire money to landlords:
- Never provide your personal/bank information to prospective landlords or anyone over the web.
- Be careful of people advertising apts, who ask for a deposit & promise to send you the keys. IT'S A SCAM
STEP 3
Know Your Rights
While some landlords may grumble and pretend not to know this, every
tenant has rights which are protected by law.
Yes, even students. They are:
- You have the right to privacy.
- Your accommodation must be fit to live in.
- Rent can only be increased once a year (see Tenancies Act 2004).
- Your landlord should register with the PRTB* within one month from when you move in.
- You must be given/give written notice to leave.
- Your deposit should be returned within a reasonable time.
- The landlord can only withold money for any rent owed or damaged caused.
- You can apply to the PRTB* if you cannot resolve your tenant-landlord dispute.
STEP 4
When you've found a place
- GET A RECEIPT FOR YOUR DEPOSIT! Preferably on headed paper, signed and dated.
- Record ALL transactions- deposit and rent payments.
- Pick up a free Rent Bookand USE IT.
- DO NOT hand over cash if possible. Pay the deposit and first months rent by cheque or bankdraft.
- Be sure to get the landlord's details for future payments.
- When your tenancy ends, the landlord must promptly return your deposit. Only exception is for any rent arrears or damages incurred while you were renting
- Sign a written contract or lease (note: a landlord does not have to provide you with one).
- Read carefully it and if you are unsure about anything, contact your SU office or Threshold* before signing.
