Your Application
1
Check Eligibility
Before applying for a cost rental property, check to see if you meet the eligibility rules. Your net household income should be below the income thresholds, you should not be getting any form of social housing support, and you must not own any property.
2
Stay Informed
Look out for any announcements from approved housing bodies (AHBs), local authorities, and the Land Development Agency (LDA) with upcoming cost rental schemes. Visit affordablehomes.ie for updates on available properties and application details.
3
Prepare Documents
Get all of the necessary documents to support your application, including:
- Proof of ID for everyone in the household
- Proof of address
- Proof of residency
- Proof of income for everyone over 18
- Employer references for everyone over 18
- Bank statements for everyone over 18
- Landlord references for everyone over 18 (if applicable)
4
Apply Online
When a cost rental home becomes available, check the AHB, local authority, or LDA website for application details. Some may have online application forms. Follow the instructions carefully,and make sure all the required documents are submitted.
5
Application Review
When you submit your application, the landlord (AHB, local authority, or LDA) will check it. If there are more people applying for cost rental than there are available homes, a lottery system may be used. All eligible applications for each unit type will be entered, and names will be selected at random.
6
Application Success
If your application is successful, the organisation providing the property will contact you. You will be required to pay a deposit and sign a Tenancy Agreement. Be prepared to fit out your new home, as cost rental homes usually do not come with any furniture.
7
Set Up Utilities
Once approved, arrange for utility services like electricity, internet, and telephone. These services are usually not included in the cost rental agreement
8
Enjoy Security of Tenure
As a cost rental tenant, you’ll have longer security of tenure. After the initial 6 months if you have no tenancy issues or rent arrears, you can continue renting your home for as long as you meet your tenant obligations and responsibilities.
9
Know Your Rights
Understand your rights and responsibilities as a cost rental tenant. You have some rights similar to private tenants, but there are differences, such as the rent-setting process. Become familiar with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) dispute resolution process.
10
Stay Informed About Rent Reviews
Keep informed about rent reviews, as the rent is linked to inflation. Your cost rental tenancy agreement may tell you how often your rent will be reviewed. If not, general rules prevent rent reviews within 12 months of the tenancy start and no more than once every 12 months thereafter see the RTB website for information on this.