If you wish to speak to one of your Students’ Union Officers, contact details can be found here or email advice@tudublinsu.ie.
Finding The Right Place
Only you know the right type of accommodation to suit your needs. Have a look at our overview of the kinds of accommodation here. Then look at your timetable and budget and decide what the best option for you is. BE REALISTIC! We’d all like a penthouse apartment with a heated rooftop pool, but do we actually need that level of luxury and more importantly, can we afford it?
Make a list of your total income, including work/grants etc. Now make a list of your total monthly spending, including lunches, transportation, fees, other loans, etc. Make sure to include what you spend on things like takeaway coffees and eating out, as sometimes we overlook these because they’re not a ‘regular’ bill.
You should now have an idea of how much money you can afford to spend on your accommodation (that penthouse is not so practical, right?!). Bear in mind when looking for accommodation; if it does not include bills, what you can actually spend on rent needs to be adjusted to factor those in.
Once you know your budget, you can compare that to the options available and hopefully find a suitable match for your needs.
Rental Scams
FraudSMART
FraudSMART in partnership with An Garda Síochána and Union of Students of Ireland urge students to be vigilant to rental scams and outline key advice to avoid falling victim - see information at www.fraudSMART.ie.
Scam Watch
Scam Watch information can be found at Threshold website, search the keyword ‘Scam Watch’ to learn more; www.threshold.ie.
If you have been scammed out of money you should inform the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation on: (01) 6663777 or visit the Crime Fraud Website immediately. Alternatively, contact your local Garda station.
Poor Quality Accommodation
If you are concerned about the quality of your accommodation, please check out your rights and what you can do here.
Please note that these pertain to private rented accommodation. If renting a room within a landlord's home, set out expectations and rules regarding rent, bills, and facilities before you agree to terms. Standard Tenants' Rights legislation does not cover such accommodation.
Roommate Issues
Unless you previously had a roommate or shared a room with a sibling, university could be the first time you find yourself living with strangers or friends. We all come from different walks of life, bringing different experiences and ways of living to the table. It is important to consider this to effectively live in harmony with others - at least for the majority of the time.
We are only human; sometimes, disputes, disagreements, or an undercurrent of tension can occur in shared accommodation. If you need advice, you can speak with a member of the SU team by emailing advice@tudublinsu.ie . While we can't always control these situations, we can try our best to prevent them. See this guide on getting along with your roommates. If you've tried everything or, for whatever reason, have decided that moving out is your best option, check out our "ending tenancy" section.
Landlord Disputes
If you are in dispute with your landlord, it is important to know your rights. Conflicts can occur due to misunderstandings or miscommunications, so try to communicate calmly and effectively. The Residential Tenancies Board offers a free mediation service for tenants and landlords. The service covers disputes about deposits, lease terms, termination of tenancies, rent arrears, market rents, and more. Any decision reached by the board is legally binding.