Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
74. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will include an assessment of outgoings to be taken into account when calculating a tenant’s rent contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18526/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 58 of the Housing Act provides for the setting and collection of social housing rents by local authorities.
The making or amending of such rents schemes, including how the rent charged is calculated and any increases or decreases that may be appropriate, is a matter for local authorities. That said, rent schemes should be consistent with the broad principles set out by my Department, including that rent levels should be based on income and reflect tenants’ ability to pay.
In this regard, local authorities have arrangements in place to protect tenants who, for example, experience reductions in income or incur exceptional or unavoidable outgoings that affect their ability to pay. Tenants may seek a review of the rent payable from their respective local authorities in such circumstances.
Similarly, local authority rent schemes also contain hardship clauses. These clauses provide for the payment of lesser amounts for specified periods of time where the local authority considers the payment of the rent due would give rise to hardship for the tenant.
