Tenancy Board

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The PRTB in Ireland is also known as the “Tenancy Board”

Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB)

To avail of the PRTB dispute resolution service, tenancies must be registered with the PRTB. Disputes regarding deposits, lease terms, ending tenancies, rent arrears, market rents, complaints by neighbours, breaches of statutory obligations and any other matters related to the tenancy are covered by the service.

To get the process started, a dispute application form (available from prtb.ie) must be filled out and sent in. This costs €25 per dispute. After this, the landlord and tenants will be called for either mediation or adjudication. In mediation, a mediator discusses each side and facilitates each party reaching an understanding that both agree with. This is often more preferable than having a third party decide on the outcome. If the parties don’t want to use a mediator then an adjudicator is appointed, who examines the case in detail and decide on a resolution. This resolution may be binding.

Tenancy Tribunal

If the parties are not happy with the adjudicator’s decision, it can be appealed to a Tenancy Tribunal within 21 days. In some circumstances the Tenancy board may refer a dispute directly to the tribunal. The tribunal consists of three people with relevant knowledge and experience. While not entirely formal, basic court rules apply. Both parties can make their case and call upon witnesses if they feel it is necessary. The tribunal’s resolution comes in the form of a determination order of the PRTB and is binding, unless either party wishes to appeal it to the High Court within 21 days. 

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