Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
614. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the income limit for the cost rental tenant-in-situ scheme to assist tenants who are just over the current limit and ensure that they can be prevented from homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17101/26]
View answerThe Cost Rental Tenant in-Situ (CRTiS) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2023 for tenants in private rental homes who are not in receipt of social housing supports but who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord has served a valid Notice of Termination due to an intention to sell the property. The Local Authority conducts the initial assessment for eligibility of the tenant for this scheme and refers potential cases to the Housing Agency, which is responsible for administering and managing the scheme on behalf of my Department.
The primary tenant eligibility condition for accessing Cost Rental housing also applies for eligibility for the CRTiS scheme, which is a maximum net annual household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC and superannuation contributions) of €66,000 for Dublin and €59,000 in the rest of Ireland.
The 2025 Programme for Government includes a commitment to "keep the income criteria for cost rental under review", in order to ensure they remain fit for purpose. The legislation governing Cost Rental gives broad scope to consider a range of factors when setting household income limits, rather than tying the decision to any one single metric or issue. These factors may include changing economic conditions, Government policy priorities, the current state of the Cost Rental sector, and future plans for the tenure. My Department is progressing this work, and new income limits may be set as necessary through the making of Regulations.
No decision has been made to increase the maximum income threshold for the CRTiS scheme at this time. As with all housing policy measures, the eligibility criteria for the CRTiS scheme are kept under review to ensure the scheme remains targeted and effective.
Tenants at risk of homelessness should continue to engage directly with the Housing Department in their Local Authority area, which can advise them in relation to their immediate and long-term accommodation options.
