Lodger or tenant?
A plain guide to what renting a room in someone's home usually means.
If you rent a room in a home where the owner also lives, you are usually a lodger (sometimes called a licensee) rather than a tenant. Lodgers are generally not covered by the Residential Tenancies Acts, so the RTB's tenancy protections and dispute service may not apply. What applies depends on the real arrangement, not on what an agreement calls it.
What Sa Bhaile is for
Sa Bhaile is only for rooms in a home where the owner lives and shares the kitchen, bathroom or living areas with the person staying.
Self-contained flats, separate buildings such as cabins or granny flats, and homes where the owner doesn't live can't be listed on Sa Bhaile. Those may be tenancies, with different rules.
Fair, written arrangements
Every arrangement on Sa Bhaile has a trial period, a notice period, house rules and deposit terms in writing, so both people know where they stand.
Notice is always given in writing, with the date, and both people get a copy.
If you're not sure
What applies depends on the real arrangement, not on what an agreement calls it. If you're unsure about your situation, the organisations below can explain your position for free.
Official information and free advice
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, contact Citizens Information, Threshold or a solicitor.