How to Get Your Full Deposit Back When Leaving a Dublin Rental

Deposit disputes are common in Dublin. With rental prices high and deposits typically worth one to two months' rent, getting it back matters. Cleaning is consistently the number one reason landlords make deductions.

What Dublin Landlords Actually Check

When a landlord or letting agent does the final inspection, they go through a checklist — often the same one used when you moved in. The areas that catch most tenants out:

• Oven and extractor fan — grease build-up is the most common deduction
• Limescale on taps and shower heads — especially in hard water areas of Dublin
• Inside kitchen cupboards — crumbs and grease are often overlooked
• Grout and silicone in bathrooms — mould is a frequent issue in Irish climates
• Windows — inside and frame, not just the glass
• Behind appliances — fridge, washing machine, cooker

The Order to Clean in

Work top to bottom, wet rooms last. Start with dusting ceiling corners and light fittings, then work down to surfaces, then floors. Clean bathrooms and kitchen last so you're not walking through clean floors.

When to Book a Professional

If your tenancy is over 12 months, a professional end of tenancy clean almost always makes financial sense. A 2-bedroom apartment costs around €200–€240 to clean professionally — a fraction of what you'd lose if even one deduction is made from your deposit.