Whether renting or purchasing your own home, it’s important to know how to set up utilities and maintain your property. Renters should be aware that the relationship between a tenant and their landlord differs from country to country. How do things stand in Dublin?

Utilities

As a tenant or owner occupier, you are responsible for setting up your home’s utilities in your own name.

If you are renting, make sure at the beginning of your rental contract sure that your landlord informs you of which companies supply your gas, water and electricity, so that you can contact them and take over the accounts.

Electricity and gas

Ireland has deregulated electricity and gas markets. Most companies supply both types of energy, but you can have your electricity supplied by one company and your gas by another. One company, BE Energy, supplies only electricity.

Electricity and gas:

• Energia
• Electric Ireland
• SSE Airtricity
• Bord Gais Energy
• Panda Power

Electricity only:

• BE Energy

Water

Ireland does not currently have domestic water charges for standard usage. However, from January 2019, charges will be introduced for excessive use of water (i.e., usage in excess of 213,000 litres per year). To set up your water account when you move into your new home, or if you have any queries about your water supply, contact Irish Water.

Oil

In some cases, your home may have oil heating. Prices for oil vary from day to day. You can see the latest heating oil prices for each of Dublin’s suppliers at Cheapest Oil.

Broadband and telephone

Ireland has a host of telecommunications companies supplying high-speed broadband to homes across the country. While this network is still being rolled out in rural areas, Dublin has strong broadband links. You can compare prices for a telecommunications package at Switcher.ie.

Property maintenance

For those renting:

• The law requires your landlord to maintain the inside and outside of the property to certain minimum standards. If the property needs repairs, you must inform the landlord and they must give you sufficient notice before entering to fix it.
• If you wish to repaint, decorate or repair the property yourself, you must seek written permission from your landlord.
• You can find a full list of your rights and responsibilities as a private tenant at Citizens’ Information. If you are having difficulties with your landlord, you can seek help from Threshold, a registered housing charity.

As an owner occupier, you are responsible for all your own utilities, maintenance and repairs.