Kildare has no separate county deposit-protection scheme; the national Irish tenancy rules apply. For most new private tenancies, a landlord generally cannot ask for more than one month’s rent as a deposit, or more than two months’ rent in total including rent paid in advance. The landlord should give you a record of the payment and return the deposit promptly when the tenancy ends, apart from reasonable deductions for rent arrears, unpaid bills or damage beyond normal wear and tear. If you cannot agree about deductions or repayment, you can bring the dispute to the RTB, which will decide it based on the evidence.