Need help finding somewhere? Check out the link to the MIC accomodation page for Limerick and Thurles options: 1)Campus & Private Accommodation

Your Accommodation

Choosing your accommodation is an important part of your college experience. When it comes to your rented accommodation, no matter what the circumstances as a tenant you have rights and responsibilities as does the landlord.  It is also important for you to realise that you are entering into a legal contract and you are responsible for any damage you cause in your property.

The Lease

This is a binding document that sets down an agreed set of rules for the Landlord and Tenant.  Whilst renting accommodation you are bound by the rules of this lease.

• Read your lease carefully.
• It should be signed both by the landlord and the tenant.
• All housemates should sign the lease.
• Ask the landlord to give you a copy of the lease.
  
  If anything goes wrong while you are staying in rented accommodation and you haven’t signed a lease you are in a very vulnerable position. 

The lease should include:

• The price per week/month including any extra bills and charges as well as how these will be paid.
• The amount which has been paid as a deposit and the condition of return of the deposit
• The length of time the property will be leased for as well as the period of notice.

The Deposit

A deposit is paid on accommodation as security for the Landlord.  The sum of one month’s rent is standard deposit to pay.  You are entitled to this back within a few days of moving out (once notice is given) as long as you leave the place as you found it and all the bills are paid.

Here are some tips to make sure you get your deposit back.

• Only hand over money when you're happy with the accommodation. Always get a receipt.

• Take photographs of every room including any damaged items when you move in (Ask your landlord to sign and date them).
• All rent and bill payments must by law be recorded either in your rent book or by receipt if you have a lease.

• Your landlord must give you a list of all furniture and appliances provided.
• Look after your accommodation and promptly inform your landlord of any repairs needed. Allow the landlord access to make repairs.

• Give appropriate notice when you are leaving (one month is standard notice)
• Make sure that all rent and bills are paid and keys returned.
• When you leave, your landlord must promptly return your deposit. The landlord may only keep some or all of the deposit to cover rent arrears or the costs of repairing any damage above normal wear and tear.

• Remember your rent deposit belongs to you, not to the landlord.

In the event of a dispute with your landlord please let us know at the Students’ Union and if necessary we will refer you to the P.R.T.B. (Private Residential Tenancies Board).

Handy Websites

If you want to know more about your rights, check out:

www.misu.ie

www.threshold.ie

www.rtb.ie (Residential Tenancies Board)

www.citizensinformation.ie
http://www.mic.ul.ie/adminservices/studentservices/accommodation