There is no waiting list. Each scheme is advertised by the council, housing body or Land Development Agency that built it, and if more people apply than there are homes, it goes to a lottery.
Quick facts
- Rent
- At least 25% below market
- Increases
- In line with inflation only
- Income limit (Dublin)
- Under €66,000 net
- Income limit (elsewhere)
- Under €59,000 net
- Deposit
- One month's rent minus €50
What cost rental is
The rent covers the cost of building and running the homes, with no developer profit. "This cost is calculated over a minimum of 40 years, and the rents must be at least 25% below private market rents in the area."
"Rents are linked to annual inflation, so any rent increases will be in-line with inflation." After the first 6 months you have security of tenure for as long as you keep to the tenancy.
Who qualifies
- Net household income under €66,000 a year in Dublin, or €59,000 elsewhere
- You are not getting any social housing support, including HAP
- You do not own a property
- Your household size matches the home
- The rent is no more than 35% of your net household income, or you can show you can afford it
- Everyone in the household lives in Ireland
Child Benefit and Fuel Allowance are not counted as income.
How to apply
"You can apply for each cost rental home as it becomes available, there is no central application system." Watch the Affordable Homes website, the Land Development Agency, housing bodies and your council.
You will need ID, proof of address and residency, and income, employer, bank and landlord references for every adult. "If there are more applications than homes available, there is a lottery for allocating the available homes."
If you get one
"You will be asked to pay a deposit of one month's rent minus €50." Homes are unfurnished, though some include white goods, blinds and flooring.
If your income later rises above the limit, you don't have to move out.
Common questions
What is the income limit for cost rental in Ireland?
Net household income below €66,000 a year in Dublin and €59,000 everywhere else.
How much cheaper is cost rental?
Rents must be at least 25% below private market rents in the area, and increases are linked to inflation.
Can I get cost rental if I'm on HAP?
No. You can't be getting any social housing support, including HAP.
How are cost rental homes allocated?
If more people qualify than there are homes, by lottery for each unit type.
Do I have to leave cost rental if my income goes up?
No. If your income rises above the limit after you move in, you don't have to move out.