IRELAND | Accommodation | Cultural information
Rental contract
It is also important to read a contract carefully before signing and it is especially important to read what is called in English 'the small print'. Of particular importance is the question of getting your deposit back at the end of your stay. Make sure your landlord and you are agreed on the conditions under which your deposit is refunded in full on leaving the accommodation. One of the important conditions could well be the length of notice you must give. This is usually stated in the contract and refers to the amount of time in advance you must tell your landlord if you intend leaving your accommodation.
It is important to have a contact number for the landlord in the event of a problem.
Rental conditions
In Ireland, rent is normally paid in advance. When you are looking for accommodation, it is important that you have enough money for the first months rent and a deposit. Do not be afraid to negotiate if you believe that you might get a reduction in rent and make sure that you get a receipt for all rents and deposits paid. The deposit is refundable at the end of the lease, and if there is no damage to the property.
You should familiarise yourself with the costs of heating. Especially important is the cost of immersion heaters (water tanks which are heated by electricity), peak time and off peak electricity and central heating oil or gas. If you have an open fire you will have to pay for coal and clean it out.
Example of the Cost of Living in Dublin (2008)
| Dublin monthly budget estimate | |
| Accomodation (room in a shared house) | 400€ |
| Electricity | 16€ |
| Heat | 14€ |
| Refuse charges | 6€ |
| Total | 446€ |
Waste Management
You should be aware of waste disposal collection times, regulations and costs. Most parts of Ireland require you to buy stickers (about 6 Euro),which you attach to your bin or refuse bag, you can buy these from the local authorities, or in local shops. It is customary to have a green bin for recyclable material except glass and a black bin for non-recyclable material. Glass is usually disposed of in a bottle banks, located in shopping centre car parks. For a list of 'bring centres' visit www.repak.ie.