Mould, damp or a repair your landlord will not fix? Here is who to contact in Galway city or county, how rent increases actually work now, and where to get free, independent advice.
Free to use · Guidance and tools, not legal advice
Last updated 9 July 2026
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Renters in Galway are covered by whichever of the two local authorities matches their address. Galway City Council handles the city itself, including Salthill and Knocknacarra, while Galway County Council covers everywhere outside the city boundary. Reporting to the wrong one just slows your case down.
This page sets out both councils' contact routes, how rent increases work under the national rules, and where in Galway to get free advice in person.
Report a standards issue
Both councils enforce the same legal minimum standards under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019, but each runs its own process.
Covers: Galway city
Inspections and Complaints service
Covers: County Galway outside the city boundary
Inspectorate Unit
Rent increases, explained
Rent increases in Galway follow the same national rules as everywhere else in Ireland. The old Rent Pressure Zone map that varied county by county was dismantled on 28 February 2026, replaced by a single national system that applies to every private tenancy from 1 March 2026.
Capped at 2% or the rate of inflation (CPI), whichever is lower, once per year.
Only at the start of a new tenancy where the last tenant left voluntarily or breached their tenancy, or after a full 6-year tenancy cycle.
Never after a no-fault termination, such as a landlord selling up or moving in themselves. Tenancies that began before 1 March 2026 cannot reset to market rent at all.
If your area became a Rent Pressure Zone in the two years before the changeover, your landlord must still wait 24 months from that original designation before the first rent review under the new rules.
Talk to someone in person
Augustine House, St Augustine Street, Galway, H91 Y7XH
Permanent office: 5 Prospect Hill, Galway, H91 HC1H
1800 454 454
Local context
Galway's rental pressure comes from a mix of the med-tech industry, a large student population and year-round tourism, so demand rarely eases even outside term time.
Strong demand from the med-tech industry and tourism
Popular seafront area, high demand year-round
Growing suburb with strong family and professional rental demand
Wherever you rent in Galway, the same guides apply: mould, damp and condensation, getting repairs done, and what to do if your landlord stops responding. Start with the evidence checklist so whichever council you contact has a solid case to work from.
Common questions
Galway City Council covers Galway city itself, including Salthill and Knocknacarra. Galway County Council covers everywhere else in the county. If you are not sure which applies to your address, Threshold or Citizens Information can help you check.
Rent Pressure Zones were replaced by a single national rent-control system on 1 March 2026. The same 2%-or-CPI cap on annual increases now applies in Galway as everywhere else in Ireland.
If the home does not meet the minimum standards, a Notice of Works Report sets out what the landlord must fix and by when. Once the work is done and the property is re-inspected, a Letter of Compliance is issued. If the landlord does not comply, a Prohibition Notice can stop the property being re-let until it does.
Citizens Information has a centre at Augustine House on St Augustine Street in the city, and Threshold has a permanent office at 5 Prospect Hill. Both offer free, independent advice.
Every home should be safe to live in
Whichever council covers your address, a clear written report is the strongest first step for renters in Galway. Generate yours now, free and private.