Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
627. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any review of the qualifying income thresholds for cost rental housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3326/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra628. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the research and analysis that informed the decision regarding the qualifying income thresholds for cost rental housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3327/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra629. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to cases whereby an individual cannot qualify for cost rental housing due to being below the income threshold but if they apply with their partner, they are over the income threshold; the actions he will take to address cases like this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 627, 628 and 629 together.
Cost Rental housing was introduced in 2021 as a new form of housing tenure in Ireland, where the tenant pays a rent which is set to cover the cost of delivering, managing and maintaining the home. It is targeted at people on moderate incomes who do not qualify for social housing but who may be facing affordability pressures in the private rental market. Cost Rental tenancies also offer long-term security of tenure.
Eligibility and income parameters are a key tool in targeting State-supported Cost Rental homes at those who fall within the moderate income cohort. The primary condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a net annual income under a certain limit, which since 1 August 2023 has been €66,000 per year for homes in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere, set through secondary legislation. Net income is defined as gross income with income tax, USC, PRSI contributions and pension contributions deducted.
If an applicant household has a combined net income above the limit they are not eligible for a Cost Rental tenancy, even if one member of the household would have an individual income under the limit when the income of their partner was excluded.
The legislation does not set a minimum 'income threshold' for Cost Rental, but as with any letting of a home, the landlord must consider the issues of affordability and tenancy sustainability. A landlord such as an Approved Housing Body, a Local Authority or the Land Development Agency will assess prospective Cost Rental tenants to ensure they can sustainably afford the rent over the long term, and to do this a landlord may employ financial metrics, such as a rent-to-income ratio.
The legislation governing Cost Rental gives broad scope to consider a range of factors when setting these 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.
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. My Department is currently progressing this work.
