Spiralling house prices are forcing many first-time buyers off the property ladder and into the renters' market. Unfortunately, the low supply of suitable accommodation creates a treacherous landscape for novice tenants.

Reader Mr T started his search recently and sought advice from Family Money on the legal and practical aspects of renting an apartment or home.

Finding a property: Compared to previously, individuals are more willing to accept substandard accommodation or live further from their workplace than initially hoped due to housing shortages. However, a bit of organisation and a clear strategy can help tenants avoid this scenario.

Newspapers, advertisements in local shops, student bulletin boards and, increasingly, websites are the usual starting places. Many of the best flats are still passed on by word of mouth so tell as many people as possible that you are looking for somewhere.

After narrowing down a neighbourhood and price range, it is essential to stay one step ahead of the rental herd. Buy the daily newspapers as early as possible and ring owners immediately. Often the first person at the door becomes the next tenant. When viewing a place, bring along your chequebook, references, employment information and be prepared to make a quick decision.

Most landlords seek a deposit of between a week's or a month's rent. The amount and purpose of the deposit as well as the conditions for its return should be recorded in the rent book.

Pounding the pavement is exhausting work and some apartment seekers have better luck finding a place through estate agents or accommodation agencies.

Estate agents charge landlords a letting fee in exchange for locating a suitable tenant. By law, these agents must be licensed and bonded. Many are members of professional organisations and should obey a voluntary code of practice.

Accommodation agencies are variable in their charging structures and are less regulated than estate agents. Some charge tenants between £5 (€7.14) and £40 while others are free.

Although development of web-based rental listings is still in its infancy, some of the larger agents are expanding in this direction.

Leasing possibilities: By law, tenants are entitled to a written lease agreement and rent book. Unfortunately, in an "owners' market" many properties are rented out without a lease and, although required, remain unregistered with local authorities.

Tenants living in rented apartments and houses for six months may be given a statutory right to renew their lease for up to four years if the Government endorses a new report on the rented property sector published last week.

A formal lease or letting agreement specifies the rent and terms and conditions required of both the tenant and the landlord. It is usually for a fixed period and you cannot be asked to leave during that time unless you break one of the terms of the lease. If a breach of terms occurs, you are entitled to formal notice of the offence and time to set things right.

If you want to leave before the lease expires you could be held liable for the letting period's rent balance. However, your landlord may agree to allow another tenant to take over the remainder of your lease.

Rental realities: Landlords can legally raise the rent by as much and as often as they like, unless there is a specific agreement to the contrary in your lease.

You must be given proper notice of any increase, dating from the rent day. If you think the proposed rent is too high, try to negotiate a lower increase.

Although the landlord does not have to do repairs to raise the rent, this is usually a good time to ask for outstanding repairs to be carried out.

Bits and bobs: Tenants' insurance is a very good idea but can be difficult and expensive to obtain when there are a number of flats or bedsits in the same house. Contents insurance is easier to find when you have other goods insured such as a car with the same company or if you are a member of a credit union.

Thankfully, tax relief is available for those in private rented accommodation. From April 6th, rent relief for those under 55 is £750 for a single person, £1,125 for a widowed and £1,500 for a married couple at the standard rate of tax.

The relief increases for individuals over 55 to £2,000 if single, £3,000 for widowed and £4,000 for a married couple at the standard rate.

Points of contact: Housing and homelessness organisation Threshold should be the telephone call for anyone wishing to rent. Three excellent brochures are available: Renting for the First Time, Renting a Home from a Private Landlord and A Guide to Using the Services of Estate Agents and Other Accommodation Agencies.

The booklets outline ways to find the perfect pad and suggest methods for avoiding some pitfalls along the way. The group has offices in Dublin, Galway and Cork.