Ireland is considered one of the best places in the world to work for people seeking IT jobs and career advancement. Its important to know how to secure the right Accommodation before you make your decision.

Ireland has most of the top tech names in the world from Google, Amazon, Meta to Airbnb, Dropbox and Strip. The list is long and opportunities are everywhere.

Once you secure a job, finding accommodation in Ireland is the next big step, and it’s a difficult one. Here is some basic information to get you started when looking for a place to live in Ireland.

 Housing in Ireland

There is choice in Ireland, like any other major city. When it comes to the kind of accommodation you can rent or buy, such as houses, apartments, or house shares. Renting a private bedroom in a shared house is another very common choice for single people or couples due to the high rents. Rents and house prices vary widely by location and are higher in cities. Dublin is higher than other parts of the country, it also has the widest range of amenities and jobs and a more established transport system. In the era of remote working, working in Dublin and living 1-2 hours away is very acceptable. In Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway the housing market is more competitive. Prepare for a first come, first served approach and be proactive in making enquiries and arranging viewings. Don’t be afraid to look at commuter towns such as Port Laoise, Louth, Meath, West Meath, Wicklow.

What to expect in your rental contract in Ireland.

Your lease, contract, or Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding contract signed by both you and the landlord. It’s generally a simple enough document that states the conditions such as the rate of rent, the duration of the lease and what will happen if the terms are broken. A lease is usually for 6 or 12 months.
You can find rentals by searching online, or through visiting a letting agent. Popular websites such as daft.ie, rent.ie and myhome.ie allow you to search by area or transit route and list all different types of accommodation. Searching online is also a great way to see your options and get ahead before you move from your home country.

The cost of rent is a muchly debated Political problem at the moment with the average in the country at €1,460. Rents in Dublin for a 2-bed apartment would average closer to €2,300 in a suburb and €2,850 in the city. This would be with large REIT type buy to let schemes. It is possible to get cheaper apartments but be very careful of rents that are too good to be true. Fraud is very prevalent, for example if you see an advert of Facebook that asks for a deposit before viewing, run a mile!

Typical bills may include electricity, gas or oil, internet, phone, water, and waste. Make sure you know what bills, if any, are included in your rent. The average cost of electricity in Ireland is over €300 every 2 months. Internet might cost you €35-€50. So, it’s important to ask.

Documentation you are going to need to get an accommodation in Ireland:

  • Employer reference, including address and telephone number to prove employment. A contract of employment would also be acceptable.
  • Previous landlord reference, including address and telephone number
  • Valid photo ID to confirm your identity
  • Bank details, to show you’re financially secure enough to pay rent
  • Payslip or proof of funds might also be requested.

 What are my rights when renting in Ireland?

Ireland has strong tenant protection laws, and it’s important to be aware of your rights.

  • When you first sign a lease, rent cannot be changed for 24 months.
  • After this time, you must be given at least 90 days’ notice of a rent increase.
  • After an increase, your rent cannot be increased again for a further 24 months.
  • Rent must not exceed the market rate.
  • You need to be given between 28day to 112 days, depending on how long you have lived in the accommodation. Here is more information on termination.

When renting, you will usually need to provide a security deposit. This fee is returned at the end of the lease unless the terms have been broken. Landlords can keep security deposits when damage has been done to the property, contents have been taken, or bills have been left unpaid. Deposits can’t be kept over ‘normal wear and tear’ such as faded carpets, chipped paint or worn furniture.

 Temporary Accommodation

Finding accommodate to rent is difficult. Most people will start their search after they arrive. Before you arrive, it will be important to arrange some temporary accommodate. In some cases, employers will cover these costs as part of a relocation package. There are lots of options when it comes to temporary accommodation. Besides the usual hotels and hostels, which can be expensive so using  short-term apartment rentals such as Airbnb can be a great way for you to live like a local and experience different neighbourhoods in your new city while you arrange viewings.

See out latest insights and blogs here for more guidance on living and working in Ireland.