IrelandMy landlord won't return my deposit. What can I do?
Your landlord must return your deposit within 14 days after the tenancy ends, unless they have a valid reason to withhold part or all of it. If they don’t, you can complain to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
What the Law Says
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out clear rules about how and when landlords must handle tenants’ deposits.
Under Irish law, your landlord must return your full deposit within 14 days after the tenancy ends — unless they have a lawful reason to keep some or all of it (e.g., unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear).
The law does not require landlords to protect deposits in a government scheme (unlike in some other countries), but it does require them to act fairly and promptly. If they fail to return the deposit on time or without justification, you have a legal right to take action.
The RTB is the official body that handles disputes between landlords and tenants — including deposit disputes — and its decisions are legally binding.
Statutory TextThe landlord shall, within 14 days after the termination of the tenancy, return the deposit to the tenant unless the landlord has a claim against the tenant for arrears of rent or for damage to the dwelling or its contents.
— Residential Tenancies Act 2004, s. 12 — Return of deposit
What to Do
Contact your landlord in writing (email or letter) asking for your deposit back and quoting section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
If you don’t get a reply or full payment within 14 days of the tenancy ending, gather evidence (e.g., tenancy agreement, proof of payment, photos of property condition, correspondence).
Submit a complaint to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) online at rtb.ie — it’s free and must be done within 6 months of the tenancy ending.
Attend the RTB hearing (if required) and present your evidence. The RTB can order your landlord to repay the deposit, plus interest and costs.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.