Housing

Local Authority Housing

Local authorities are the main providers of housing for people who cannot afford to provide for their own homes from their income. The first step is to apply to the local authority for housing, they will consider whether you are eligible first of all and if so then you may be assessed as to your housing need.

The main criteria for assessment are that your household income is below a set maximum threshold and also that you do not have suitable alternative accommodation.

Alternative accommodation may be considered as such if you have a property that you could live in, even if you currently do not because it is rented out.

There are extensive waiting lists for social housing but if you are considered as in housing need by a local authority then you may be able to apply for Rent Supplement to help towards the cost of renting a house privately.

Some voluntary housing providers provide social housing and tenants must usually be registered as in housing need with their local authority to be eligible for voluntary housing. Some housing associations provide housing for certain target groups such as the elderly or people with disabilities whilst others provide for general needs housing.

Rental Accommodation Scheme

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is a housing initiative introduced in 2004 and is managed by the local housing authority. The scheme provides the option for quality rented housing for those who have been in receipt of Rent Supplement for 18 months or more. It provides a greater security of tenure in that most contracts are for four years duration and at a more affordable rent read more

Useful links

Irish Council for Social Housing – for lists of housing associations and providers
www.icsh.ie

Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government – for contact details of local authorities in Ireland
www.environ.ie

Department of Social Protection – community welfare service with information on Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Rent Supplement
www.welfare.ie