IrelandCan my landlord enter my property without notice?
No, your landlord generally cannot enter your rented property without giving you prior notice, except in emergencies.
What the Law Says
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 sets out your rights as a tenant in Ireland, including protection against unauthorised entry by your landlord.
Under section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, a landlord must not enter the dwelling without the tenant’s consent, unless it is necessary for inspection, repairs, or other lawful purposes — and even then, only after giving the tenant reasonable notice.
The law does not specify an exact number of hours or days for 'reasonable notice', but in practice and guidance from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), 24 hours’ written or verbal notice is considered standard and fair — unless urgent safety or repair issues arise.
You have a legal right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of your home. This means your landlord cannot disturb your peaceful use of the property, including by entering without permission or proper notice.
Statutory TextA landlord shall not, without the consent of the tenant, enter into the dwelling concerned except for the purpose of inspecting the dwelling, carrying out repairs or otherwise in accordance with the tenancy agreement or this Act, and then only after giving the tenant reasonable notice.
— Residential Tenancies Act 2004, s. 12 — Landlord's right of entry
What to Do
If your landlord enters without notice (and it’s not an emergency), calmly ask them to respect your right to quiet enjoyment.
Keep a record of any unauthorised entries — dates, times, and what happened.
Contact the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for advice or to make a complaint if the issue continues.
You may also seek mediation or, in serious cases, apply to the RTB for a determination or order.
Sources
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IndiaNot 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.