Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
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RTB tribunal defence preparation for Irish landlords gets you ready for a Residential Tenancies Board hearing.Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. RTB hearings are informal, but the outcome is legally binding, so preparation matters. Common cases include termination disputes, rent arrears and possession, deposits, standards complaints, anti-social behaviour and rent review claims.
What’s included
- 60-minute consultation or call with a solicitor to map the case
- Review of all documents (lease, notices, correspondence, payment history)
- Written submissions document structured as RTB adjudicators expect
- Evidence bundle index with every exhibit numbered and labelled
- Hearing strategy
- One round of follow-up questions by email
- Not included: representation at the hearing, RTB fees, or any appeal
Who this is for
- Landlords facing an RTB dispute about a notice of termination
- Landlords seeking rent arrears or possession
- Landlords defending deposit or standards complaints
- Landlords responding to a rent review or overcharge claim
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- A solicitor would hold a 60-minute consultation, reviews your documents and prepares your written submissions, evidence index and hearing strategy.
- Your submissions, evidence index and strategy are delivered by email, with one round of follow-up questions.
Frequently asked questions
How much does RTB hearing preparation cost?
Fees for work of this kind are typically set on application: a solicitor would typically confirm the fee once the matter has been reviewed and before any work begins. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. You request an assessment, and costs are confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Is an RTB determination binding?
Yes. RTB hearings are informal, but the outcome is legally binding and can be enforced.
Will a solicitor represent me at the hearing?
Representation is not included. It may be available as a separate engagement where A solicitor would confirm she can take the matter on.
For more on renting and letting property, see our Landlord & Tenant in Ireland guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.