Only 32 properties across 16 areas in Ireland were available for rent within the housing assistance payment (HAP) scheme limits in June, according to a new report from the Simon Communities.
The homelessness charity’s latest ‘Locked Out of the Market’ survey found that just 32 out of 978 properties met the costs within the discretionary rate for the HAP scheme, which subsidises rents for low-income tenants.
Dublin saw significant reductions in eligible properties, with only nine homes falling within possible rent rates in north Dublin city and two in Dublin city centre, representing drops of 44% and 50% respectively from previous months.
Several major population centers had no eligible properties at all, including Waterford city, Cork city and suburbs, Portlaoise, Limerick city, Athlone, County Leitrim, and Sligo town.
Under the HAP scheme, Dublin’s discretionary rate allows up to an additional 50% on the standard rate, while this is limited to 35% elsewhere in the country. The scheme provides a portion of rental costs to landlords on behalf of qualifying tenants.
Simon head Ber Grogan said the survey results “must act as a wake-up call” for politicians, calling for accelerated delivery of social and affordable housing, meaningful reforms to HAP rates, and a targeted strategy to prevent homelessness.
The findings highlight the growing gap between rental market prices and the support available to low-income tenants seeking accommodation.