Accommodation Search and Information Guide 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you be renting this academic year? Theres lots of choice out there for students at the moment so be sure to know your stuff. Heres a guide to help you out.
Are you a first time renter?
Here are some tips...
- Choose a safe location. If you are new to Dublin be sure to ask in the local SU office where is recommended.
- Students have found it difficult to get nine month leases however landlords are being more flexible than previous years so ask if you are only looking to rent until June.
- Grab a copy of the DITSU Checklist for viewing a place / moving in, to be sure you are totally in the know on your rights.
- Its important to remember that bills are usually not included in the rent so be sure to ask what these would be and how much they usually cost.
- Get to know the local transport if you are required to take a bus, train or luas to and from college.
- We've got loads of useful information on everything from the detail of a lease, public transport to a BER (Building Energy Rating) and your own Personal Safety.
Where can I find a place to live in Dublin?
Internet
www.ditsu.ie: Check out the latest listings here or at your local Union office. We also offer you advice on your tenants rights. If you have a question email us at accommodation@ditsu.ie.
www.daft.ie: Busiest accommodation site in Ireland. Be sure to Sign up and Log on as a user. Create email alerts & advanced search. Search the listings/sharing databases. Be patient and if you have any hassle contact the DITSU support staff for help.
www.rent.ie: Rent.ie offers the widest selection of rental properties in Ireland. Click on the Students button for find properties in the area of your college.
www.dit.ie: 600 bed spaces are block booked for DIT Students in several city centre locations around the city. Check the www.findahome.ie Select DIT and the password is pembroke (all lowercase) to access listings.
Letting agents
More letting agents/ real estates agents are considering students, so if you dont ask you'll never know. Contact DITSU for a listing for the Dublin city center area.
Other
National newspapers, local notice boards and word of mouth can be the best way of searching so get out there and find your new pad!
I'm new to Dublin and I need help in searching for accommodation
If you are new to Dublin or are not sure where to start, drop into your SU office, and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction or just email accommodation@ditsu.ie
What are my rights of a tenant?
- 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.
- To register you with the PRTB the landlord will need your PPSN(state ID) number.
- 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.
- Apply to the PRTB if you cannot resolved your tenant-landlord dispute.
Note: a dwelling in which a landlord is also resident is exempt from the tenancy registration system ie. Digs/ Self catering/ Lodgings.
What does the PRTB do?
The PRTB (Private Residential Tenancies Board) operates the tenancy registration system in Ireland. Basically, if you are renting, your landlord is obliged to register you with them. The PRTB also offers policy advice and aims to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
Be sure to get one of the new PRTB Tenant Guides, a handy pocket size leaflet with all you need to know. Available from the SU office.
It is my first time to have to pay a deposit and begin paying rent, have you any advice for me?
- GET A RECIEPT FOR YOUR DEPOSIT! (On headed paper, signed and dated).
- Do not hand over cash. Pay the deposit and first months rent by cheque or bankdraft. Create the paper trail.
- Be sure to get the landlords details for future payments, preferably on paper.
- When your tenancy ends, the landlord must promptly return your deposit. Only exception is for any rent arrears or damages incurred whilst you were renting. Any problem with this, we can help you see.
Threshold (the National housing organisation) offer advise on your tenancy rights. Check out: www.threshold.ie.
What is a Rent book and why would I need one?
It is essential that you record your monthly rent payments. Many landlords accept payment through the bank which can act as a paper trail (basically proof that you have paid the rent). However, if a landlord insists on a cash payment, it is important that you document this transaction. Get hold of a free Rent book from the local Students' Union office and ask your landlord to simply sign it each time you hand over cash.
Whatever way you pay your rent, get hold of a rent book as there is it has loads of useful information and contact details.
Useful contact details:
DIT Students' Union Accommodation Service
E: accommodation@ditsu.ie
Tel: Jen 0866031075 or Aimee 0868151468
PRTB (Private Residential Tenancies Board)
2nd Floor, O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 6350600
E: information@prtb.ie
Web: www.prtb.ie
Threshold (the National Housing Organisation)
21, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7.
Tel: 01 6786096
E: advice@threshold.ie
Web: www.threshold.ie
