Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
395. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the qualifying criteria for acceptance onto a cost rental scheme for two non-cohabiting adults with one child; if he can provide information on what can be used to verify that the couple are non-cohabiting adults, that is, an affidavit or similar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6244/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All targets the delivery of 18,000 new Cost Rental homes to 2030. A strong pipeline is in place and under continuous development by Local Authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies using the Cost Rental Equity Loan, and by the Land Development Agency.
All Cost Rental providers are legally obliged to make Cost Rental homes available in line with the provisions of Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Regulations. Eligibility and income parameters are a key tool in targeting State-supported homes at those who fall within the moderate income cohort and are considered most in need of affordable housing interventions. The qualifying criteria for any type of household applying for a cost rental home are as follows:
• The net household income is €66,000 or below per annum for Cost Rental homes in Dublin and €59,000 or below per annum for Cost Rental homes elsewhere.
• A household member is not in receipt of any social housing supports, including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
• Applicants do not own a property.
• The household size matches the size of the home advertised.
• All members of the household are living in Ireland at the time of applying.
• The household can afford to pay the rent for the home.
When applying for a cost rental home, the application must detail all relevant household members who will reside in the Cost Rental home and in order to be considered for Cost Rental Housing, a household is required to clearly outline how they have reached the net household income calculation with supporting documentation. An affordability test will be carried out to ensure that the household will have the capacity to pay the cost rent charged. Local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and the Land Development Agency currently provide Cost Rental homes. The provider for each development is be responsible for assessing all applications.
Further details on eligibility and applying for cost rental homes can be found on the affordable homes website which can be accessed at the following link: affordablehomes.ie/rent/about/
