Every private landlord in Ireland must register their tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Registration is not a one off task: since 2022 tenancies must be registered every year. Missing a deadline leads to late fees and can cause problems if a dispute arises. Here is what you need to know.
When do you need to register?
- New tenancy: register within one month of the date the tenancy starts. For example, a tenancy starting on 15 May must be registered by 14 June.
- Every year after that: register again on the anniversary of the tenancy start date. You have up to one month after the anniversary to complete it.
How much does it cost?
- €40 per tenancy per year when registered on time.
- A late fee of €10 for each month, or part of a month, that the registration is overdue.
- A composite fee of €170 to register up to 10 tenancies in the same building at the same time, if registered on time.
- If a property has more than one new tenancy within 12 months, the second and later registrations are free if completed within a month of each new tenancy starting.
How to register
Registration is done online through the RTB website. You will need details of the property, the tenants, the rent, the tenancy start date and the property’s BER. The RTB also sends a reminder before your annual registration is due, so make sure your contact details with them are current.
Why registration matters more from 2026
Registration data now feeds the RTB Rent Register, which went live on 1 March 2026. When you set or review rent, you must refer to comparable rents from that register. Accurate registration keeps your records consistent and avoids awkward questions later. Read more in our guide to the new rental rules from March 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the annual registration because the tenancy has not changed.
- Not updating the registration when a new tenant moves in.
- Entering the wrong rent or start date.
- Letting reminder emails go to an old address.
Let us handle it for you
Kennedy Property Services registers tenancies on time for the landlords we manage, as part of our property management service in North County Dublin. Call John on 089 452 0241 to talk it through.
Fees and rules are taken from the RTB website as of November 2026. Always check the RTB for the latest position.
