Renting a home in Ireland has become increasingly competitive in recent years. For many, the traditional rental process is already daunting—but for freelancers, it can feel nearly impossible. Without steady payslips or traditional employment contracts, freelancers often face skepticism from landlords and letting agents. However, despite these hurdles, freelancers can rent in Ireland, even without payslips. It just takes a bit of strategy, preparation, and the right tools to present yourself as a reliable tenant.
The Reality of Renting in Ireland as a Freelancer
Ireland’s rental market is tight, especially in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway. Demand frequently outweighs supply, pushing rents higher and increasing competition for available homes. Landlords are often flooded with applications and, understandably, want assurance that their tenant can reliably pay rent. Traditionally, this assurance comes in the form of employment contracts and payslips—documents that freelancers typically don’t have.
Instead of fixed monthly income, freelancers earn through multiple clients, contracts, or gigs, which can vary month to month. This financial irregularity can lead landlords to assume risk—even when the freelancer may, in fact, earn more than a salaried employee.
So what can freelancers do to overcome this perception and secure a rental home?
What Landlords Really Want to See
Although payslips are the norm, they’re not the only way to prove financial reliability. Landlords ultimately want three things:
- Proof of income
- A record of paying rent on time
- A tenant who will take care of their property
Freelancers can demonstrate these things in other ways. Here are some of the most effective methods:
- Bank statements: A 6- to 12-month record of consistent income, even from varied sources, can show financial stability.
- Invoices and contracts: Signed client agreements and paid invoices help validate income sources.
- Tax returns (Form 11 or Notice of Assessment): For Irish freelancers, this is one of the most credible documents you can provide. It shows yearly income and tax compliance.
- References from previous landlords: These can help reassure new landlords that you’re reliable.
- A completed tenant profile or rental CV: This introduces you professionally and showcases all of the above in one place.
That’s where Tenantin.ie becomes a game-changer.
How Tenantin.ie Helps Freelancers Stand Out
Tenantin.ie is a digital platform tailored for Irish renters. It allows you to create a verified tenant profile, often referred to as a rental CV, which compiles all your essential information in one tidy place. For freelancers, this is a critical advantage.
Instead of sending scattered documents through email, you can build a profile that includes:
- A personal bio
- Verified ID
- Employment details or self-employment summary
- Income verification (invoices, bank records, tax returns)
- Landlord references
- Proof of previous rent payments
This kind of professional profile builds trust and credibility. It shows you’re organised, serious about your search, and capable of meeting rental obligations—even without traditional payslips. In a crowded market, that can make all the difference.
Tenantin.ie also offers a premium feature called “On a Hunt,” which connects your profile to property listings on FindQo.ie. When you activate this feature, the platform automatically sends your verified rental resume to landlords of properties that match your preferences. You’ll also receive daily email alerts for new properties that fit your criteria. For busy freelancers who don’t have time to chase listings all day, this automated approach saves time and improves your chances.
Alternatives to Payslips That Work
While Tenantin.ie is an excellent central hub, you should still prepare some supporting documentation. Here’s what you can include to boost your application:
- Recent bank statements showing consistent income and savings
- Tax returns from the past one to two years
- A letter from an accountant confirming your income range and tax compliance
- Letters of recommendation from past landlords or flatmates
- Proof of rent paid (e.g., Revolut or bank transfer history)
Having all this documentation readily available through your Tenantin.ie profile allows landlords to evaluate your application quickly and with confidence.
Why Landlords Are Warming to Freelancers
The nature of work in Ireland is changing. With the rise of remote work, digital services, and the gig economy, more people are becoming self-employed. Landlords are beginning to recognise that freelancers can be just as financially stable—if not more so—than someone with a single full-time job.
Moreover, platforms like Tenantin.ie are bridging the trust gap between renters and landlords. By giving tenants a way to present themselves professionally, it’s helping to shift outdated expectations and give freelancers a fair shot.
Tips to Boost Your Rental Success as a Freelancer
If you’re freelancing in Ireland and hunting for a new home, here are some key tips:
- Be upfront about your status—honesty builds trust.
- Use a platform like Tenantin.ie to present yourself professionally.
- Apply quickly to new listings, especially in high-demand areas.
- Offer a higher deposit or rent in advance, if financially possible.
- Be prepared to show savings to demonstrate a buffer during quieter months.
Final Thoughts
So, can freelancers rent in Ireland without payslips? The answer is yes—absolutely. While it may take a bit more preparation and proactivity, renting as a freelancer is not only possible, it’s becoming increasingly common. With the right documents and a well-organised digital profile, you can prove you’re a responsible and reliable tenant.
Platforms like Tenantin.ie make that process easier, giving freelancers a fair chance in a competitive market. By centralising your information and automating parts of the rental search, Tenantin.ie helps you stand out from the crowd—without needing traditional payslips to do it.
