Many older people live in the private or social rented sector in Ireland.
There are a number of government supports available such as Rent Supplement, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), and the Rental Accommodation Scheme. For more information on applying for social housing support please visit the Housing Agency’s webpage on social housing supports.
Local authorities and many Approved Housing Bodies provide housing specifically built for older people qualifying for social housing. To find out if you qualify for social housing support, contact your local authority.
Home share options enable older people to share their home with individuals who need accommodation. These types of schemes can support older people remain living independently as they can be supported with light household tasks, shopping and have the added security of having someone nearby at night. These organisations provide this type of service, connecting hosts with homesharers:
AVA Housing (formerly The Abhaile Project) is supporting older homeowners to reconfigure and adapt their homes to make it more age friendly and also provide a seperate space for a rental unit.
Organisations that support those living in the rental sector and can provide more information are:
Cost Rental offers affordable long term, secure rented accommodation. It is available for those who have a net household income of €66,000 or below in Dublin or €59,000 or below in the rest of the country. The rent you pay is based on the cost of building, managing, and maintaining the homes. The rent for Cost Rental homes is at least 25% below regular market rents in the area. More information on Cost Rental homes can be found at www.affordablehomes.ie here.
