Your landlord cannot charge more than the going market rent for a property. If you feel that the rent you are paying is above the going rent for similar properties in your area, you should request a rent review from your landlord. Rent can be reviewed once in every twelve month period. Only under very limited circumstances, such as a complete refurbishment of the property, may a landlord review the rent more than once in a twelve month period.

If your rent is reviewed, your landlord must give you at least 28 days written notice of the new rent before it takes effect.

It's important to note that if you sign a one year fixed term lease the landlord is not obliged to grant a rent review as the rent has been set for the period of the lease.

What to do

• The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) have a rent index which enables you to check the market rent for your property by comparing rents being charged for similar properties in the area.
• If you think you are paying above the market rent, request that your rent is reviewed
• If you are not happy with the outcome of a rent review, of if you landlord refuses to review the rent, you can refer the matter to the PRTB.