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Notice of termination of tenancy (by tenant)
Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended): a valid written notice from the tenant, with the deposit request
To: [LANDLORD OR AGENT NAME]
[LANDLORD'S ADDRESS OR EMAIL]
Property: [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Date this notice is served: [DATE NOTICE IS SERVED]
Dear [LANDLORD OR AGENT NAME],
I, [YOUR NAME], the tenant of the dwelling at [PROPERTY ADDRESS], hereby give notice of the termination of my tenancy.
The tenancy began on [TENANCY START DATE]. On the date this notice is served it has lasted [LENGTH OF TENANCY], so the notice period is [NUMBER] days, counted from the day after this notice is served.
Termination date: [TERMINATION DATE]. I have the whole of that day to vacate the dwelling, and I will return all keys by then.
I am not ending the tenancy because of a breach of the landlord's obligations, so no reason is given.
Any issue as to the validity of this notice or the right of the tenant to serve it must be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board within 90 days from the date of receipt of it.
Security deposit: I paid a deposit of €[DEPOSIT AMOUNT]. I would welcome a joint inspection before I leave. Please return my security deposit promptly after the tenancy ends. If you intend to make any deduction, please send me an itemised list.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Signed (tenant): ________________________________ Date: ____/____/________
Notice periods for tenants (no breach by the landlord)
How long the tenancy has lasted Notice you must give
Less than 6 months 28 days
6 months to 1 year 35 days
1 year to 2 years 42 days
2 years to 4 years 56 days
4 years to 8 years 84 days
8 years or longer 112 days
The notice period starts the day after you serve the notice; the termination date is the last day. Fixed-term lease: you can end it early only with a break clause, the landlord's agreement, a landlord breach not fixed in a reasonable time (28 days' notice), serious risk (7 days) or a refused sublet or assignment.
A valid notice must
Be in writing — a letter or an email.
Be signed by you (every tenant on the lease).
Give the date it is served.
Give the termination date (you have the full 24 hours of that day).
Give a reason only if you are leaving because of a landlord breach.
Include the sentence on referring the notice to the RTB.
Before you hand back the keys
☐ Written notice served — keep a copy and proof of the date it was received
☐ Rent paid in full up to the termination date
☐ Final meter readings for electricity and gas; bills paid or arranged
☐ All your belongings out; rubbish and waste gone
☐ The home cleaned to the condition you moved in, apart from normal wear and tear
☐ Photos of every room on the day you leave
☐ Inventory checked; keys, fobs and remotes handed back
☐ Joint inspection with the landlord or agent (recommended by the RTB)
☐ Forwarding address and bank details for the deposit given in writing
Letter asking for your deposit back
[DATE]
To: [LANDLORD OR AGENT NAME]
Re: Return of security deposit — [PROPERTY ADDRESS]
Dear [LANDLORD OR AGENT NAME],
My tenancy of [PROPERTY ADDRESS] ended on [TERMINATION DATE] after a valid notice of termination served on [DATE NOTICE IS SERVED]. The rent is paid in full, the bills are settled and I returned the keys on [DATE].
Please return my security deposit of €[DEPOSIT AMOUNT] to IBAN [IBAN] in the name of [ACCOUNT NAME] by [DATE — E.G. 14 DAYS FROM TODAY].
If you intend to keep any part of it, please send me an itemised list with the reason for each deduction (rent arrears, unpaid bills, or damage beyond normal wear and tear) and copies of any quotes or receipts. If we cannot agree, I will refer the matter to the Residential Tenancies Board's dispute resolution service.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Sources: RTB «How a tenant can end a tenancy», «Security deposits» and guidance note 08.0 «Ending a tenancy by tenant»; Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended). Student-specific accommodation and cost rental have their own rules. A template, not legal advice.