# Irish housing standards | Accommodation | Moving to Ireland > Housing in Ireland, like in any other country, can vary greatly in terms of quality and safety. If you're considering a rental property in Ireland, it's… Source: https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/accommodation/irish-housing-standards/ Accommodation · Step 12 of 12 # Irish housing standards 2 min read · Updated 13 September 2026 Housing in Ireland, like in any other country, can vary greatly in terms of quality and safety. If you're considering a rental property in Ireland, it's important to be aware of some common issues that may arise. Homes built in the 1990s or 2000s may have problems such as missing insulation, ungrounded electrical systems, and open attics that are exposed to the elements. Additionally, the low water pressure in Dublin means that many homes have storage tanks for the upstairs bathroom that are open on top, potentially harboring dead animals. When looking at floor plans, it's important to note that “HP” stands for “hot press,” which is essentially a closet with a poorly insulated water heater that may be used for drying clothes or as a linen cupboard. Additionally, many homes in Ireland still have an immersion switch, which can increase your electric bill by up to €100 per month and require you to schedule showers in advance. It's also important to be mindful of the safety of the water supply in your rental property. Avoid drinking from any tap except for the one in the kitchen, and make sure that you're aware of any potential health hazards. ## Latest standards introduced by government in last years In Ireland, the standard of housing varies greatly, ranging from older, traditional properties to new, modern buildings. However, all properties must adhere to certain safety standards and building regulations, as set out by the government. These regulations cover a range of areas, including heating, electrical safety, fire safety, and structural integrity. In terms of energy efficiency, the government has set minimum standards for new buildings, as well as a target for all homes to have a BER (Building Energy Rating) of A3 by 2030. This rating system assesses the energy efficiency of a building, considering factors such as insulation, heating, and ventilation. Additionally, the government has introduced the "Better Energy Warmer Homes" scheme, which provides financial support for low-income households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Overall, the standard of housing in Ireland has improved greatly in recent years, but there is still much room for improvement, particularly in terms of energy efficiency. The government is committed to improving the standard of housing in Ireland, and is implementing various initiatives to achieve this goal. ![](https://www.movingtoireland.co/apple-touch-icon.png) You have read 24% of this guide ## Keep reading in the Moving to Ireland app The rest of **Irish housing standards** — about 1 minute more — is in the app, free to download, alongside 98 other guides and a checklist built around your own move. Still to come in this guide - Latest standards introduced by government in last years [Download free on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) iPhone and iPad · no account needed ## More on accommodation [All 12 guides in this section](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/accommodation/) - ### [How to rent accommodation in Ireland](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/accommodation/how-to-rent-accommodation-in-ireland/) Renting accommodation in Ireland can be a challenging process, but with the right tips, you can make it a smooth experience. Whether you're a student, a… 2 min read - ### [Determine your budget](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/accommodation/determine-your-budget/) When renting accommodation in Ireland, it's important to be prepared for a few upfront costs. Here are a few key things to keep in mind: 1 min read - ### [Research the area you want to live in](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/accommodation/research-the-area-you-want-to-live-in/) Before making any decisions on where to live in Ireland, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the areas you're interested in. Take the time to… 1 min read - ### [Accommodation searching](https://www.movingtoireland.co/guides/accommodation/accommodation-searching/) When looking for a rental property in Ireland, you have the option of working with a property manager or the owner directly. To view a potential… 2 min read Keep going ## Get the full housing roadmap in the app Moving to Ireland turns 99 guides into a personal checklist. Tell it your passport, whether you have moved yet, and who is coming with you, and it lays out every step in order — from the visa to the bins. - Step-by-step checklist - Tailored to your passport - Pre-move & post-move - Family & pet sections [![Download Moving to Ireland on the App Store](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-store-badge.svg)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261) ★★★★★ 4.9 on the App Store [![Expats who settled in Ireland, two five-star App Store reviews, and the Moving to Ireland app showing its relocation checklist](https://www.movingtoireland.co/images/app-social-proof.webp)](https://apps.apple.com/app/moving-to-ireland/id6446055261)