Rental references when you're new to Ireland
No Irish landlord to give you a reference? What you can use instead, how to present it, and how to stand out when you message about a room.
- Moving to Ireland: finding accommodation
- How to check a landlord and an ad are real
- Citizens Information – renting a home
- An Garda Síochána – fraud
What you can use instead
A reference from your landlord or host in your home country, in English if you can, with their phone or email.
A letter from your employer in Ireland confirming your job and start date, or your contract.
A letter from your college confirming your place, for students.
Proof you can pay: a recent bank statement, or a parent or guardian's letter for younger students.
Make your first message count
Say who you are, why you're moving, your job or course, when you want to move in, how long you want to stay, and that you can share references. A short, specific message gets more replies than "Is this still available?".
On StayLister, fill in "About me as a renter" in your profile once: it's shared with the advertiser when you first message them. Confirming your phone, email and ID adds the ticks advertisers look for.
Protect yourself too
Share copies of documents only after you've viewed the room and met the person, and cover anything you don't need to share, like your passport number. Never send money to secure a viewing.
Common questions
How do I get a rental reference in Ireland if I just arrived?
Use a reference from your landlord abroad, a letter from your employer or college, and proof you can pay.
Should I send my passport to a landlord?
Not before you've viewed the room and met them. Cover details they don't need.