Private Residential Tenancies Board issues recommendations for students

The Private Residential Tenancies Board (“PRTB”), as the regulator of the residential landlord and tenant market, has published a number of recommendations on renting aimed at third level students ahead of the start of the new academic year.  These recommendations are made in conjunction with the Union of Students in Ireland and highlight the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants as arising under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and 2009 (as amended).  Anne Marie Caulfield, Director of the PRTB, remarked on the importance of issuing such advice, particularly now: “PRTB has found that many first time students are unsure of their rights, or who to contact if they find themselves in difficulty. One of the biggest challenges this year is the cost of renting and scarcity of accommodation.  The danger is that students, in a desire to find accommodation, sign up to longer leases than they need….”