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Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 June 2013

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Ceisteanna (92)

John Paul Phelan

Ceist:

92. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Social Protection the avenues open to an applicant when they are refused rent allowance because the rent was over the maximum limit as laid down by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28495/13]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 86,000 recipients of rent supplement for which the Government has provided over €403 million in 2013. I recently announced my intention to implement revised rent limits under the rent supplement scheme which will come into force on Monday 17 June 2013 and will be in place until 31 December 2014. The new rent limits have been determined following an extensive review of the private rental market. This review has been based on the most up-to-date market data available. This review continues the previous rent limit reviews’ emphasis, to ensure that value for money is achieved while at the same time ensuring that people on rent supplement are not priced out of the market for private rented accommodation. The Department currently funds approximately 30% of the private rented sector so it is essential that the rent limits are kept under review.

The research carried out during the review shows that the rent limits are in line with actual rents in the county. The current rent limit review maintains the rent limit rate of €430 per month for a couple in County Kilkenny.

It is a condition of award of rent supplement that the rent is within the maximum rent limit. Where rents are in excess of the limit, customers are being asked to contact their landlord and renegotiate the rent. Where landlords do not agree to reduce the rent within the limits, staff will discuss the options open to the tenant, including seeking alternative accommodation.

Officials in the Department continue to examine the impact of the rent limits on those who claim rent supplement. If the Deputy has a concern in relation to a specific case, he can provide the details to the Department for follow up.

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