The Government has decided not to extend the eviction ban in place since October 2022 - but renters may be able to remain where they are until June.
The official end will come on a phased basis from March 31 and will be complete in June - which is already outlined in the existing legislation.
On Monday evening, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien discussed the winter eviction moratorium with the three Government party leaders.
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"It was agreed that Mr O’Brien would bring a detailed memo to Cabinet tomorrow morning where there will be further discussions with Government colleagues," a spokesperson said.
It is understood that the Cabinet could form a new budgetary package covering both tenants and landlords which would be developed over several months.
In the meantime, renters who are struggling with paying their monthly fees may be entitled to aid from the government if they meet certain criteria.
There are a number of schemes that remain active, so here’s everything you need to know:
Rent Supplement
The Rent Supplement payment is means-tested support for certain people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their rent from their own resources.
It is a short-term income support for people in the private rented sector.
You are only eligible for Rent Supplement if you are a genuine (bona fide) tenant and meet one of the following conditions:
- You were getting Rent Supplement in the 12 months before the date of your application.
- You were living in private rented accommodation for at least 6 months (183 days) of the last 12 months, you could afford the rent at the beginning of your tenancy and you are unable to continue to pay the rent because of a substantial change in your circumstances which occurred after you started renting. You can combine time living in more than one rented accommodation to satisfy the 6 months (183 days).
If you need help with your rent but you don’t meet these conditions, you should contact your local Intreo Centre for advice on your situation.
The rent Supplement will only be provided if the accommodation is suitable for your needs. It is not generally paid if the rent is above the maximum rent limit set for your county.
You won’t qualify for Rent Supplement if you:
- Are leaving local authority housing without reasonable cause.
- Have been excluded from social housing by a local authority for reasons of good estate management or anti-social behaviour.
- Are registered as a full-time student. However, if you are getting a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or are participating in the Back to Education Programme you may be entitled to Rent Supplement.
- You are getting a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
You cannot get Rent Supplement to help you pay rent to your parent if you are living in the family home. If your parent owns a second property, you will generally not get Rent Supplement for this property unless you can prove that you are a genuine (bona fide) tenant.
You may be entitled to Rent Supplement if you live in your landlord’s home. It must be a genuine landlord/tenant arrangement.
For more information, click here.
HAP scheme
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support for people with long-term housing needs.
HAP is available in all local authority areas and will eventually replace long-term Rent Supplements.
The scheme is administered by the local authorities, who pay the landlords directly. The rent being charged for the accommodation must be within the limits for the household type in that local authority’s area.
Tenants pay a weekly HAP rent contribution to the local authority, based on their income and ability to pay. Under the HAP scheme, you can take up full-time employment and keep your housing support.
There is detailed information about HAP on hap.ie, including booklets for landlords and tenants, along with a general information leaflet.
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