The Residential Tenancies Board recorded a 10% increase in requests for it to weigh-in on disputes between tenants and landlords last year.

The organisation's annual report shows demand for its services have increased by nearly 50% in the last three years.

It said 45% of the applications of the disputes it dealt with were either withdrawn or settled before a hearing took place.

Some 31% ended in agreement after the RTB stepped in.

The most common disputes brought before the body revolved around rent arrears, notices of termination and deposits.

• Over four-in-ten notices of termination were deemed invalid.
• Some 67% of rent review notices were also found to be invalid.
• Meanwhile, in disputes over deposits, the money was fully or partially refunded to the tenant in over 80% of cases.
• In rent arrears disputes, a total of €2.2m - an average of €4,049 per dispute - was awarded to landlords.

“2018 saw demand for our services grow yet again," said RTB Director Rosalind Carrol.

" Every year, for the last five years, demand for RTB Services has continued to grow, reflecting the continued pressures people are feeling in the rental market, and the changing regulatory framework."

She said the organisation is continuing to focus efforts on informing people about their rights and responsibilities in a "complex regulatory system."

She said new legislation introduced last month will continue to enhance the RTBs role in the regulation of the market.