IrelandI've been renting for 6+ years. Do I have security of tenure?
Yes, if you've been renting for 6+ years under a Part 4 tenancy, you have security of tenure — your landlord cannot end the tenancy without valid grounds listed in law.
What the Law Says
The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 gives long-term private renters in Ireland important protections — including security of tenure — once they reach certain thresholds.
If you’ve been renting the same property continuously for at least 6 years, and your tenancy falls under Part 4 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, you are entitled to security of tenure. This means your tenancy continues automatically after the initial fixed term ends — unless your landlord can show one of the limited legal grounds for termination.
Security of tenure does not mean you can never be asked to leave. But it does mean your landlord cannot end your tenancy 'without cause' (i.e., no-fault eviction) — they must rely on specific reasons set out in law, such as non-payment of rent, breach of tenancy obligations, or intention to sell or reoccupy the property.
This protection applies to most private residential tenancies in Ireland, excluding certain exemptions like tenancies in owner-occupied homes with fewer than two rented rooms, or tenancies where the landlord lives on the same property and shares facilities.
Statutory TextA tenant who has been in occupation of a dwelling for a continuous period of not less than 6 years shall, subject to subsection (2), be entitled to security of tenure in respect of that dwelling.
— Residential Tenancies Act 2004, s. 28 — Security of tenure
What to Do
Check your tenancy history: confirm you’ve lived in the property continuously for 6+ years.
Ensure your tenancy is not excluded (e.g., you don’t share living space with the landlord).
If your landlord serves a notice to quit, verify it cites a valid ground under section 28(2) of the Act.
If you believe the notice is invalid, contact the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for advice or to lodge a dispute.
Keep records of rent payments, communications, and notices — these may be needed if a dispute arises.
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.