What documents do Irish landlords require?

While there is no single standardised form, most letting agents and landlords expect the following:

• Photo ID — passport or national ID card
• Proof of employment — a letter on headed paper from your employer confirming your role, contract type, and salary
• Recent payslips — typically the last two to three months
• Bank statements — last one to three months, showing regular income
• Previous landlord reference or proof of homeownership — agents will typically accept either: a written reference from your most recent landlord confirming your tenancy dates and conduct, or documentation showing you owned your previous property
• Character or professional reference — sometimes requested in addition
• PPS number — not required at application stage; most people relocating to Ireland will not have one yet, and agents are well used to this. You can proceed without it — just let the agent know you are in the process of obtaining it and notify them once you have it

This is one of the most common friction points for new arrivals. There is a frustrating circularity: many Irish banks require proof of address to open an account, but you need a bank account to pay rent and receive a proof of address. There are practical workarounds:

• N26, Revolut, or Bunq — EU digital banks that can be opened before you arrive using your passport only, with no Irish address required. They produce IBAN-based statements that most landlords accept.
• AIB and Bank of Ireland both have processes for international arrivals — AIB in particular allows account opening with a passport and employer letter, without a utility bill.
• Credit unions — some accept new members without full address verification.

Starting the bank account process before you arrive in Ireland is strongly advisable.

A PPS (Personal Public Service) number is Ireland's tax identification number. You will need one to work in Ireland, access public services, and for your landlord to register the tenancy with the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board).

Most people relocating to Ireland will not have a PPS number when they first begin their property search, and this is entirely normal — agents and landlords are well used to it. You can proceed with your application and signing without one. Simply let the agent know you are in the process of applying and notify them once you have it. Your landlord will need it to register the tenancy with the RTB, but this does not need to happen on the day you sign.

PPS numbers are issued by the Department of Social Protection at Intreo offices. You will need your passport, a reason for needing a PPS number (an employment offer letter works), and ideally proof of your Irish address — which is why it is worth applying as early as possible after arriving.

Under Irish law, landlords may charge a maximum of one month's rent as a deposit — no more. If you are asked for more than this, it is not permitted under the Residential Tenancies Act and should be queried before you sign anything.

Ireland does not currently have a formal statutory deposit protection scheme (one is planned under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act). This means your deposit is held by the landlord rather than an independent body, which makes the move-in process particularly important:

• Take timestamped photographs of every room, noting any existing damage, before you move in
• Request written acknowledgement of the deposit amount from the landlord or agent
• Keep all written correspondence about the property's condition

If there is a dispute about deposit return at the end of your tenancy, the RTB provides a free dispute resolution service.