1 Get the Evening Herald early and start ringing around.

2 When ringing landlords, interrogate them about what they are offering and if they will accept you; there is no point wasting time chasing a lost cause.

3 Rathmines may be the promised land, but it's also more expensive than areas such as the inner city, Drumcondra and Fairview.

4 Don't queue early unless you know it's going to be first come, first served.

5 Try and sort out references before you go to see flat - that may impress the landlord.

6 Start looking early. This is probably going to be the worst year yet.