Accommodation

Many US Fulbrighters consider finding somewhere to live in Ireland as the most challenging aspect of their award.  Very few universities and colleges have on-campus or off-campus accommodation so demand for this is very high. Be advised that Irish universities do not provide the same assistance with find housing as they do in the US. 

The Fulbright Commission in Ireland does not secure housing for its awardees but can provide advice.  The Commission recommends that you allow 2 weeks to find appropriate housing.  You should prepare both logistically and financially to stay in short-term accommodation such as a hotel, guest house or hostel until you find an appropriate place.

To secure a property you have the following options:

1. Check with your host institution about accommodation available on or off-campus.
2. Check the Sabbatical Homes website for properties in Ireland.
3. Check local newspapers for listings.
4. Search the lettings sections of the following housing websites:
   • Daft
   • My Home
   • Let
   • Property
5. Contact estate agents (realtors) for short-term lets.  The Commission will provide awardees with a list of agents and properties used by previous awardees.

Rented accommodation is usually furnished with furniture, kitchen equipment but not bed linens (these can be purchased quite inexpensively in Ireland).  Please be advised that the accommodation and furnishings not be to the same size and standard as the US.   It is essential to view the property before you sign a lease to determine that it suits your requirements.  Take into account the following advice:

• It is normal to have to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent in addition to the first month’s rent in advance
• Most landlords / agents prefer a year lease but due to the current economic circumstances shorter term leases will be considered
• on the Citizens Information website
• Be prepared to haggle / negotiate on the rent quoted and take into account the state of the rental market and reports on current rental rates
• Always view a property, and if it's a private landlord or a shared property, bring a friend when possible for a second opinion
• Don't hand over any money until you have signed the lease, and received keys – if it is a private landlord, do the exchange in the property and check the keys work and everything is to your satisfaction before handing over the cheque etc
• Pay deposit by cheque, bank draft or postal order (not cash). If your landlord provides the Fulbright Commission with an invoice, the Commission will pay the deposit from your remaining grant payment and adjust your grant accordingly
• Monthly payments should be done by direct debit or standing order from your bank account once it is established
• If the landlord seems untrustworthy or doesn't want to do any of the above, check the Private Residential Tenancies Board website to check if (s)he is registered as a landlord
• Never, ever, send any bank details by email or send any money to a landlord abroad, especially not via Western Union or any other wiring service
• Check your lease – the details of the furnishings and inspect the property before signing, if there is any damage or anything missing, get the landlord to amend the lease, or take not e on the lease. This should help protect your deposit
• Be aware that the deposit system in Ireland is largely unregulated. A landlord can retain part/all of your deposit as recompense for any damage incurred in the property during your lease. In practice most landlords act in good faith and return deposits in full, or make fair judgment on any damage caused. However, there are sometimes issues, so keep this in mind
• Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.  See the Threshold website for these.