Luca Got His Full Deposit Back
Galway | Normal wear and tear dispute resolved
Luca had rented a one-bedroom apartment in Galway for four years. When he moved out and returned his keys, the landlord inspected the property and claimed the carpet throughout the apartment needed complete replacement. The landlord announced they were withholding a significant portion of Luca's deposit to cover the cost of new carpeting in every room.
Luca felt this was unfair. Yes, the carpet had been used for four years—that's what carpets do. They wear. He had kept the place clean and hadn't caused any damage. The carpet hadn't been torn, stained beyond normal use, or damaged by his actions. He believed the landlord was trying to charge him for routine maintenance and replacement of an item that simply ages with time.
Luca decided to challenge the deposit retention. He gathered photos showing the condition of the carpet and documented that it had no unusual damage. He then made a claim to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), Ireland's independent body that handles rental disputes. Luca explained that after four years of normal living, some wear to a carpet is expected and should not be the tenant's responsibility. The RTB agreed with him. They determined that the carpet condition represented normal wear and tear—not damage caused by Luca or negligence on his part. The landlord was ordered to return Luca's full deposit without any deductions.
What the Law Says
In Ireland, landlords can only deduct from a tenant's deposit for damage caused by the tenant, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or breaches of the tenancy agreement. Normal wear and tear—such as gradual fading, minor marks, or the general ageing of furnishings and fixtures—cannot be charged to the tenant. The Residential Tenancies Board helps settle disputes about what counts as normal wear and what counts as the tenant's responsibility. Landlords must return deposits within a set timeframe and provide a detailed breakdown of any deductions.
Time Limits Matter
You must make a claim to the Residential Tenancies Board within six months of your tenancy ending. Keep all evidence—photos, messages, receipts, and proof of the deposit payment. Don't wait. After six months, the RTB cannot consider your claim, and you lose the right to recover your money.