The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has produced a booklet informing students of their statutory rights and entitlements in private rented accommodation.
Some 20,000 copies of the USI "rent book" will be distributed in student unions nationwide by the end of the week.
The booklet was compiled following anecdotal evidence that some students were being taken advantage of by landlords.
"We have had students coming into us with horror stories like being housed in a basement flat with dry rot. They are often not aware of who to complain to," said Tom Lowth, welfare officer with the USI.
Mr Lowth said one focus of the booklet was to make students aware that if they are having a problem with their accommodation they can report it to their local authority or, if they are having a monetary problem with a landlord, the private residential tenancies board (PRTB).
Stephanie O'Brien, welfare officer at Trinity College Dublin (TCD), yesterday welcomed the booklet.
"We have heard of students being swindled by landlords. It's important for students to pay serious attention to the nature of their lease. Students will often blindly sign leases."
Practical advice like insisting upon a receipt after handing over a deposit and other useful information such as that landlords do not have the right to visit the premises without the tenant's permission are also contained in the booklet.
"The booklet provides advice and information on students' rights in plain English," said Mr Lowth.