Housing Schemes

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Questions (274)

Thomas Gould

Question:

274. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the rent contribution agreement as required to be signed by HAP tenants has statutory footing; if so, the location same can be found; and if not, if the document differs by local authority. [30404/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In order for a household to qualify for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), they must first be assessed as eligible for social housing support by their local authority. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP. Legislation provides that HAP is considered to be a form of social housing support and households in receipt of HAP are therefore, not eligible to remain on the main housing waiting list.

All households in receipt of HAP pay a differential rent based on the rent scheme set by the relevant local authority. The right of local authorities to set and collect rents on their dwellings is set out in section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.

HAP tenants are required to a sign rent contribution agreement, to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme.