A report by the Simon Communities of Ireland reveals a critical shortage in the rental market, emphasizing how the majority of the country remains locked out. With only 1,123 rental properties surveyed, availability has decreased by 9% since December, impacting 16 areas, 10 of which reported no properties within the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits. Most of the available rentals are concentrated in Dublin, leaving tenants in other regions facing significant challenges. The lack of suitable properties under both standard and discretionary limits exacerbates the housing crisis for families needing assistance.
The findings of the report highlight the deepening crisis in Ireland's private rental sector. With most properties concentrated in Dublin, the vast majority of the country remains effectively locked out of the rental market. In 10 of the 16 areas surveyed, there were no properties available within HAP limits at all. That is not a housing system that's working for those most in need.
There were 1,123 properties at any price across 16 areas surveyed, down 9pc from December. In 10 of the 16 areas, there were no available properties through HAP.
The lack of availability was across standard HAP limits, which vary by local authority, and discretionary limits that provide additional financial support, allowing more expensive properties to be rented through the scheme.
Overall, only three areas outside Dublin had properties available within HAP limits - Dundalk, Galway city suburbs, and Kildare, highlighting the significant rental access issues faced by HAP tenants.
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