How one Cork tenant recovered excess rent paid in a rent pressure zone
Wojciech had been renting his apartment in Cork city for three years when his landlord served notice of a rent increase. The first increase came in early 2022, and he paid it without question. But within eighteen months, another increase notice arrived. That's when Wojciech started to wonder if something was wrong. He knew Cork was a rent pressure zone, which he'd heard meant there were rules about how much rent could go up. He decided to look into it properly.
What Wojciech discovered troubled him. Under Irish rental law, in a rent pressure zone like Cork, rent can only increase by a maximum of 4% per year. When he worked out what he'd been paying, the second increase — coming so soon after the first — meant his rent had jumped well beyond that limit. The second increase was simply unlawful. Rather than pay money he didn't legally owe, Wojciech decided to file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Board. It wasn't an easy decision; he worried about his relationship with his landlord. But he felt it was the right thing to do.
The RTB process took time, but the evidence was clear. Wojciech had kept all his tenancy documents and payment records. The board reviewed the facts and agreed: the second rent increase breached the rent pressure zone rules. The landlord was ordered to refund the excess rent Wojciech had paid. His lawful rent was confirmed at the correct level. Although the dispute stressed him during the process, knowing he'd stood up for his rights — and won — gave him real peace of mind.
In a rent pressure zone (which includes Cork city), landlords cannot increase rent by more than 4% in any twelve-month period. If a landlord serves a rent increase notice that breaches this rule, the increase is unlawful and unenforceable. Tenants can dispute the increase through the Residential Tenancies Board. If the RTB finds the increase was unlawful, the landlord must refund all excess rent paid and the rent must be reduced to the lawful amount.
You must apply to the RTB within 6 months of receiving an unlawful rent increase notice. After 6 months, you lose the right to dispute it. If you've been paying an unlawful rent, gather your tenancy documents and rent payment records as soon as possible, and contact the Residential Tenancies Board to understand your options.
Tell Sarah what happened. She will explain your options and match you with the right solicitor in your county — free.