The Residential Tenancy Board (RTB) is a statutory body established in 2004 to manage disputes between landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. It was created to replace the court process for most tenancy-related disputes by providing a more accessible, efficient, and affordable resolution system.

RTB offers two main dispute resolution services:

1. Mediation
2. Adjudication

Mediation Service
Mediation is a voluntary and informal process where an RTB mediator helps both the landlord and tenant reach a mutual agreement. It can be conducted over the phone or in person.
If both parties agree on a resolution, the mediator records the agreement, and it becomes legally binding.

Adjudication Service

If mediation fails or is declined, the case proceeds to adjudication, where an RTB-appointed adjudicator hears the case and makes a legally binding decision.
If either party is dissatisfied with the outcome, they can appeal it to the Tenancy Tribunal, which consists of three adjudicators who will re-hear the case in full.

Registration of Tenancy
Registration is a legal requirement under the Residential Tenancies Act. All private landlords and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) must register their tenancies with the RTB.

• Registration must be completed within the legal timeframe.
• There is a fee for registration.
• Registration can be completed online at www.rtb.ie.

Failure to register can result in penalties and fines, and unregistered tenancies may be ineligible for dispute resolution under RTB rules.

Obligations of Landlords and Tenants
The duties of both parties are clearly defined in Chapter 2 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
Landlord Obligations:

• Maintain the property in good repair
• Ensure the property meets minimum standards
• Register all tenancies with the RTB
• Respect the tenant’s right to peaceful enjoyment
• Provide proper notice for termination in compliance with the law

Tenant Obligations (Section 16):

• Pay rent on time
• Avoid causing damage to the property
• Allow the landlord reasonable access
• Not engage in anti-social behaviour
• Comply with the terms of the tenancy agreement

Grounds for Termination of Tenancy
(As per Chapter 3, Section 34 of the Act)

A landlord may legally terminate a tenancy for reasons including:

1. Breach of tenancy obligations by the tenant
2. The dwelling is no longer suitable for the tenant’s accommodation needs
3. Intention to sell the property within 3 months
4. Landlord or family member requires the dwelling for personal use
5. Major refurbishment or renovation requiring the property to be vacated
6. Change of use of the dwelling (e.g., converting it to commercial use)

In cases where planning permission is required (refurbishment/change of use), it must be obtained prior to termination.

Dispute Resolution Eligibility
The RTB will only accept disputes from:

• Registered tenants

• Registered landlords

• Third parties directly affected by the tenancy (e.g. neighbours)

Types of RTB Dispute Resolution

1. Mediation Resolution
◦ Informal, guided negotiation to reach agreement
◦ Fast, cost-effective, and private

2. Adjudication Resolution
◦ Formal hearing with written submissions and evidence
◦ Decision issued in writing and legally binding

Final Note
Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, understanding your rights, duties, and options under the RTB process is key. The RTB provides a fair and structured system for resolving disputes, but only if your tenancy is properly registered and your documentation is in order.