Local authorities in Ireland are the main provider of social housing for people who are in need housing and cannot afford it from their own resources. Local authority housing is allocated according to housing need and rents are based on the household's ability to pay.
Approved Housing Bodies (sometimes called 'housing associations' or  'voluntary housing associations') and housing co-operatives also provide social housing for people who cannot afford to buy their own homes.

Qualifying for Social Housing Support

Local authorities carry out assessments on households to confirm if they are eligible for social housing support. They take into account factors such as your household size, income, present accommodation (if any), the condition of that accommodation and any special circumstances, including age, disability, medical circumstances, etc.

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

If accepted by the local authority as being in need of housing, the household is placed in the local authority housing waiting list. Each local authority draws up its own rules for deciding order of priority on the waiting list, called "allocation schemes". Some local authorities operate a points system. Each household on the waiting list is given a number of points depending on its circumstances. The greater the housing need, the more points allocated. 
 

Rents

Local authority rents are based on a system called "differential rents". This means that the rent is based on ability to pay, so if the household income is low, then rent payable will be low. If income increases, so will the rent payable. Each local authority operates its own rent scheme.

Rental Accommodation Scheme

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is for households who are receiving rent supplement, usually for more than 18 months, and who need long-term housing. The scheme is administered by local authorities. It provides additional, good quality private rented accommodation for people in receipt of rent supplement and it helps local authorities provide long-term housing for people who need it.

Under the scheme, local authorities enter into contracts with property owners to provide housing for people with a long-term housing need for an agreed term. The local authority pays rent directly to the landlord.

The key elements of the scheme are:

• Local authorities pay the full rent to the landlord on behalf of the tenant
• Landlords must register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board and the tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
• The property must meet minimum standards for private rental accommodation.
• Deposits are not required since the local authority has entered into a contract with the landlord.
• The tenant pays a differential rent to the local authority for use of the property.

Rent Supplement

Rent Supplement is paid to households living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources. Rent Supplement is an income support payment and administered by the Health Services Executive (HSE) through the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme. The amount of rent supplement payable is calculated by the HSE's Community Welfare Officer and will generally ensure that household income, after paying rent, does not fall below a minimum level. Maximum rent levels are set for different areas.