Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
565. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he will review the affordability thresholds and criteria for single applicants to cost-rental housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62995/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCost Rental is a key element of the Government's housing strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, and that rents are not subject to the pressures of the open market.
The primary eligibility condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a maximum net annual household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC and superannuation contributions), which is currently €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere.
However, since rents must cover costs in order for the model to be viable, a Cost Rental landlord must be confident that a prospective tenant (whether a household or a single person) can afford to pay the rent every month over the long term. Therefore, a Cost Rental landlord has final discretion to consider the suitability for a tenancy of an eligible applicant and many use an affordability metric to determine what percentage of income could be used to pay for accommodation. The Department has issued guidance to landlords about how other factors such as rental history or savings may be relevant considerations, and about the importance of clearly communicating the reasons why an eligible application has not progressed to the offer of a tenancy.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, the parameters for Cost Rental eligibility are kept under review to ensure the scheme effectively targets the intended tenant cohort.
