If you want to end your tenancy you must give your landlord a valid written notice, and the minimum notice depends on how long you have lived there. Give too little notice, or leave out something the Act requires, and the notice can be challenged.
Notice period by length of tenancy
| Tenancy has lasted | Notice you must give |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | 28 days |
| 6 months to under 1 year | 35 days |
| 1 year to under 2 years | 42 days |
| 2 years to under 4 years | 56 days |
| 4 years to under 8 years | 84 days |
| 8 years or more | 112 days |
Get your notice written with the right dates
Enter your start date and see your notice period and termination date straight away · Free preview · 4.99 euro to download
Generate My NoticeWhat a valid tenant notice must contain
- It must be in writing, by letter or email
- You must sign it
- It must state the date of service
- It must give the termination date, with the whole of the 24 hours of that day to leave
- It must say that any dispute about its validity goes to the RTB within 90 days (28 days where you are ending the tenancy because your landlord broke their obligations)
- You only state a reason if you are ending the tenancy because of the landlord's breach
Serving it
Email it or hand it over, and keep proof of the date. The notice period runs from the date of service. You do not need to send a copy to the RTB; only landlords must do that. If you are in a fixed-term tenancy, check for a break clause first, because leaving early can mean penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must a tenant give in Ireland?
It depends on how long the tenancy has lasted (Table 2 to Section 66 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004): 28 days for under 6 months, 35 days for 6 months to under 1 year, 42 days for 1 to under 2 years, 56 days for 2 to under 4 years, 84 days for 4 to under 8 years, and 112 days for 8 years or more.
What must a tenant notice of termination contain?
It must be in writing (a letter or an email), be signed by you, state the date of service, and give the termination date, with a statement that you have the whole of the 24 hours of that date. It must also say that any dispute about its validity must be referred to the RTB within 90 days (28 days if you are ending the tenancy because your landlord broke their obligations).
Do I have to send a copy of my notice to the RTB?
No. Only landlords must copy their notices to the RTB. Keep your own copy and proof of when you served it.
Can I leave a fixed-term tenancy early?
Ending a fixed-term tenancy early can mean penalties unless a break clause or one of the exceptions in the RTB guidance applies, such as agreement with your landlord or serious breaches by the landlord. Check your tenancy agreement before you serve notice.
Does RTBLetter.ie work out the notice period for me?
Yes. Enter your start date and the notice shows the period you must give and the termination date, with the wording the Act requires. It costs 4.99 euro, and you see a free preview first. The RTB also publishes its own template if you prefer to write it yourself.
Related Guides
See also: getting a deposit back and invalid rent increases.