RTB tenancy registration (new and annual) in Ireland

A legal requirement for landlords in the Republic of Ireland. Every 12 months, and here is who can do it, which properties it covers and what the law says.

At a glance

How often
Every 12 months
Who does it
The landlord (or their agent)
Applies to
Every rented property
Legal status
Legal requirement

In the Republic of Ireland, every private tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), and since 2019 that registration has to be renewed every year. It is registration of the tenancy, not of the landlord, so a landlord with several properties has several registrations, each with its own anniversary. Since 1 March 2026 it also carries more information than it used to, including the property's BER.

The two deadlines

A new tenancy must be registered within 1 month of it starting. After that, the registration must be renewed every year, within 1 month of the anniversary of the date the tenancy began. Because every tenancy has its own start date, a portfolio quickly turns into a calendar of different renewal dates.

What you need to register

You register online with the RTB. Since 1 March 2026 the registration includes the property's floor area, the number of bed spaces and its BER, alongside the tenancy details and rent. Having the BER certificate to hand before you start saves a second attempt.

What it costs

The fee for a private tenancy is €40 a year. Registering late costs an extra €10 for every month it is late, and the RTB can issue a fixed fine of €100.

Why it matters beyond the fee

An up-to-date registration is what the rest of the system relies on. The RTB and Revenue now share data, rent-setting since March 2026 works off the RTB Rent Register, and an unregistered tenancy puts a landlord on the back foot in any dispute. Treat the annual renewal as seriously as the first registration.

Registration and setting the rent

Since 1 March 2026 the RTB is part of setting the rent as well as registering the tenancy. When you set the rent for a new tenancy you must tell both the tenant and the RTB, in writing, what the previous rent was and when it was set, and how the new rent was worked out. Where a market rent is allowed, the notice must include three comparable tenancies taken from the RTB Rent Register. A rent-setting notice is invalid if the RTB's copy is not sent, so the RTB is now in the loop at both ends of a tenancy's paperwork.

Mistakes landlords commonly make

  • Registering the tenancy once and missing the annual renewal.
  • Assuming one registration covers every property.
  • Missing the 1-month window at the start of a new tenancy, especially after a quick re-let.
  • Registering without a current BER, which has been part of the registration since 1 March 2026.

How Beamwise handles it

Every Republic of Ireland property carries its RTB registration on the register, with each tenancy's renewal date worked out for you and reminders before it falls due. Record the RTB registration number on the tenancy so it is there whenever you need it.

Common questions

How often is the RTB tenancy registration (new and annual) needed in Ireland?

Every 12 months in the Republic of Ireland. The next one is due 12 months after the last.

Who is responsible for the RTB tenancy registration (new and annual)?

The landlord (or their agent).

Does it apply to every rented property in Ireland?

Yes. It applies to every rented property in the Republic of Ireland.

What does the law say?

Residential Tenancies Act 2004, Part 7, as amended in 2019 and by the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026. Register every tenancy within 1 month of it starting, then every year within 1 month of the anniversary. Since 1 March 2026 the registration includes floor area, bed spaces and the BER. €40 a year; late fee €10 a month; RTB fixed fine €100.

How much is RTB registration?

€40 a year for a private tenancy. Late registration adds €10 a month, and the RTB can issue a fixed fine of €100.

When do I have to register a new tenancy with the RTB?

Within 1 month of the tenancy starting, then every year within 1 month of its anniversary.

Do I need a BER to register with the RTB?

Yes. Since 1 March 2026 the registration includes the property's BER, as well as its floor area and number of bed spaces.

Written from the same rule Beamwise uses to track this for properties in the Republic of Ireland, last updated 25 Sept 2026. Rules change, so check the legislation named above or take professional advice before relying on it.

All Ireland landlord requirements

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Beamwise provides compliance-tracking tools and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements differ between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and must be verified by a qualified professional. Privacy · Terms