RTB Registration: Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords
How to register your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) in Ireland. Step-by-step guide, costs, and what happens if you don't register.
Registering your tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is not optional — it’s a legal requirement for all private landlords in Ireland. This guide walks you through the registration process step by step.
Why Registration Is Mandatory
Under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004–2024, every private tenancy must be registered with the RTB. Registration provides:
- Legal standing: You can only use RTB dispute resolution services if the tenancy is registered
- Tenant protection: Tenants can only claim RTB protections in registered tenancies
- Revenue compliance: Revenue uses RTB data to verify landlords are declaring income
- Evidence: A registered tenancy is harder to dispute in terms of start date, rent, and parties
Failure to register can result in:
- Fines of up to €4,000 on summary conviction
- Inability to pursue RTB dispute resolution
- Revenue flags for audit
What Tenancies Need to Be Registered?
Must register:
- Private residential tenancies (houses, apartments, rooms)
- Part 4 tenancies
- Fixed-term tenancies
- Informal room lets (licence agreements may also require registration — seek advice)
Do NOT need to register:
- Tenancies in your own home where you are resident (Rent-a-Room arrangements)
- Holiday lets (less than 14 weeks)
- Properties occupied under a contract of employment
When to Register
You must register within one month of the tenancy start date.
If you renew or extend a tenancy, you must register again each year (annual registration).
For tenancies starting from 4 April 2022 onwards, registration is annual (renewable each year) rather than once-off.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Create an RTB Account
Go to rtb.ie and create an online account. You’ll need:
- Your PPS number
- Email address
- Bank account details (for payment)
Step 2: Gather the Required Information
Before starting the registration, have ready:
Property details:
- Full property address and Eircode
- Property type (house, apartment, room)
- BER rating (required)
Landlord details:
- Your name and address
- PPS number
- Contact details
Tenancy details:
- Tenancy start date
- Duration (fixed-term or Part 4)
- Monthly rent amount
- Deposit amount
Tenant details (for each tenant):
- Full name
- Date of birth (or PPS number if available)
- Contact details
Step 3: Complete the Online Registration
- Log in to your RTB account
- Select “Register a New Tenancy”
- Enter all property, landlord, and tenant details
- Review the pre-populated form
- Confirm the information is accurate
- Proceed to payment
Step 4: Pay the Registration Fee
Current fees (2026):
| Registration Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual registration | €90 |
| Late registration (within 1 month of deadline) | €180 |
| Very late registration (over 1 month late) | €270 |
Payment by debit/credit card online or EFT.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation
Once registered, you’ll receive:
- A registration number (keep this safe — needed for Revenue and RTB correspondence)
- Email confirmation
- PDF certificate of registration
Annual Renewal
From 2022, tenancies must be renewed annually on the anniversary of the tenancy start date.
You’ll receive an email reminder from the RTB before the renewal date. Renewal costs €90/year per tenancy.
Don’t miss the renewal deadline — late fees apply and you lose RTB protections in the gap period.
What If the Tenancy Details Change?
Notify the RTB if:
- Rent changes (after a rent review)
- A new tenant joins
- A tenant leaves a joint tenancy
- The tenancy ends
Changes are made through your RTB online account.
Searching the RTB Register
The RTB maintains a public register you can search at rtb.ie/register-search. Tenants can check whether their landlord has registered their tenancy.
If your tenancy isn’t on the register:
- Tenants may report you to the RTB
- Revenue cross-checks the register against income declarations
Licences vs Tenancies
If you rent out a room in your own home (where you also live), you may have created a licence rather than a tenancy. Licences under the Rent-a-Room Scheme are generally not subject to RTB registration requirements.
However, if you rent rooms to multiple unrelated individuals in a property where you don’t live, each room rental may be a separate tenancy that requires registration.
This area can be complex. If in doubt, contact the RTB at 0818 303 037.
RTB Dispute Resolution
Only registered tenancies can access RTB dispute resolution services. This covers:
- Deposit disputes
- Rent arrears
- Overholding (tenant refuses to leave)
- Illegal rent increases
- Breach of landlord/tenant obligations
RTB mediation is free. Adjudication costs €15–€25.
Key RTB Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Registration helpdesk | 0818 303 037 |
| Online registration | rtb.ie |
| Disputes | disputes@rtb.ie |
| registrations@rtb.ie |
Tip: The RTB helpdesk can be busy. Allow extra time when calling, or use the online chat service on their website.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on RTB regulations as of 2026. Requirements can change. Always verify the current process at rtb.ie.
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