Why Registration is Mandatory
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015, 2019, and 2021), every landlord is legally required to register each private residential tenancy with the RTB. This is not optional — it is a statutory obligation that applies to all private landlords in Ireland, regardless of how long the tenancy has been in place.
Legal Requirement
Failure to register is a criminal offence under the Residential Tenancies Act.
Tax Benefit
Only registered landlords can claim 100% mortgage interest as a tax deduction.
Dispute Protection
Registration gives both landlord and tenant access to RTB dispute resolution.
Warning
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Gather Required Information
Before starting, collect: your PPS number, the property's full address and Eircode, the tenant's full name and PPS number (with their consent), the tenancy commencement date, the agreed monthly rent, and the type of tenancy (fixed-term or periodic). Having this ready before logging into the RTB portal makes the process much faster.
Create Your RTB Account
Go to rtb.ie and click "Register a Tenancy". If you do not already have an RTB online account, you will need to create one using your name, email address, PPS number, and contact details. Verify your email address to activate your account.
Complete the Online Application
Log in to your RTB account and select "New Tenancy Registration". Complete all required fields — property details, landlord details, and tenant details. You must enter the tenant's PPS number (they have a legal obligation to provide it). Double-check all details before submitting, as amendments after submission require a separate process.
Pay the Registration Fee
The current registration fee structure is:
| When Registered | Fee |
|---|---|
| Within 1 month of tenancy start | €20 (early registration) |
| Standard registration | €40 |
| Late registration (after 1 month) | €40 + late fee |
Payment is made by credit or debit card online. A payment receipt is issued immediately. Keep this for your records.
Receive Confirmation
Once your application is processed (usually within 3–5 working days), you will receive a tenancy registration number (RTB number) by email. Save this number — you will need it for tax returns, Arbicle verification, and any future RTB correspondence. Enter it into your Arbicle landlord profile to activate your "RTB Verified" badge.
Required Information Checklist
Have the following ready before starting your RTB registration:
Your PPS number
Required for landlord identification
Full property address including Eircode
e.g., 14 Main Street, Dublin 8, D08 XY45
Tenant's full legal name
As per their ID document
Tenant's PPS number
Tenant is legally required to provide this
Tenancy commencement date
The date the tenancy legally started
Monthly rent amount
As stated in the tenancy agreement
Type of tenancy
Fixed-term or periodic (Part 4)
Fixed-term end date (if applicable)
For fixed-term tenancies only
Your bank account / payment card details
For registration fee payment
Your RTB online account login
Create one at rtb.ie if you do not have one
Important Deadlines and Penalties
| Situation | Deadline | Consequence if Missed |
|---|---|---|
| New tenancy commences | Register within 1 month for €20 fee | Standard €40 fee applies after 1 month |
| Tenancy change (new tenant, rent change) | Notify RTB within 1 month | Breach of Act; potential sanction |
| Annual registration renewal (legacy tenancies) | Check your registration type | Registration may lapse |
| Responding to RTB investigation notice | As stated in the notice | Formal sanction proceedings |
RTB Tip
How Arbicle Helps You Stay Compliant
Stores Your RTB Number
Enter your RTB registration number in your Arbicle profile. It is displayed on your listings, building tenant trust, and stored securely for your records.
Sends Compliance Reminders
Arbicle sends you automatic reminders when a new tenancy starts (to register within 1 month) and when you need to notify the RTB of changes.
Pre-Fills Registration Data
All tenancy details entered on Arbicle — property address, tenant information, rent, commencement date — are pre-populated in your registration checklist.
Links to RTB Portal
One click from your Arbicle dashboard takes you directly to the RTB registration portal with your tenancy details pre-loaded where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to re-register every year?
No — the RTB moved to a lifetime registration model in 2022. You register a tenancy once, and it remains registered for the lifetime of the tenancy. However, you must notify the RTB of changes (new tenant, rent change). If a tenancy ends and a new tenant moves in, that is a new tenancy and requires a new registration.
What if my tenant refuses to provide their PPS number?
A tenant is legally obliged to provide their PPS number to their landlord for the purposes of RTB registration. If they refuse, explain this legal requirement. The RTB registration system does provide a workaround for cases where the PPS number is genuinely unavailable — contact the RTB helpline for guidance.
Can I register a tenancy that started several months ago?
Yes — late registration is possible but incurs an increased fee. You should register as soon as possible. Non-registration is a continuing offence and the longer it goes unregistered, the greater the potential penalty.
Do I need to register if the tenant is a family member?
Yes — all private residential tenancies must be registered with the RTB, including those where the tenant is a family member, unless the property is let to an immediate family member (parent, child, or sibling of the landlord) in which case the Residential Tenancies Act may not apply. Seek legal advice if you are unsure.
What is the difference between RTB registration and the PRTB?
The PRTB (Private Residential Tenancies Board) was the former name of the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board). They are the same organisation — it was renamed in 2015 to better reflect its expanded role. All references to PRTB registration in older documents refer to the same RTB registration requirement.
Does Arbicle register my tenancy for me?
No — Arbicle cannot register your tenancy on your behalf as it requires your PPS number and the tenant's PPS number, which we do not hold. However, Arbicle pre-fills and stores all the information you need, sends you reminders, and links directly to the RTB registration portal to make the process as fast as possible.
What happens to my mortgage interest relief if I am not registered?
Under Revenue rules, landlords can only claim 100% of mortgage interest as a deductible expense if the tenancy is registered with the RTB. Non-registration means you can only deduct a proportion of mortgage interest, significantly increasing your tax liability.
Ready to register?
RTB registration takes around 10 minutes online. Register within one month of your tenancy starting to save 50% on the registration fee.
Register at rtb.ie