What Is the HAP Scheme?

The HAP scheme (Housing Assistance Payment) is a nationwide government scheme whereby social housing assistance is provided to tenants in need by local authorities. Under this program, local housing authorities pay rent directly to landlords monthly for HAP tenants. Tenants then pay a weekly amount to the local authority based on their means and circumstances.

The HAP scheme was first introduced in 2014 and there are currently 18,000 landlords and letting agents participating in the scheme.

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How Does the HAP Scheme Work?

Eligible tenants must locate private rental accommodations themselves. Monthly rent must fall within HAP limits established per local authority. After signing a lease, tenants register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board. The local authority pays landlords directly monthly; tenants pay what they can afford to the authority.

You cannot be discriminated against in Ireland if you are receiving any type of social benefit.

2026 HAP Scheme Rent Limits

2026 HAP Scheme Rent Limits comparison table
Local Authority 1 Adult Shared Couple Shared 1 Adult Couple Couple/1 Adult + 1 Child Couple/1 Adult + 2 Children Couple/1 Adult + 3 Children
Cork City Council €300 €330 €550 €650 €900 €925 €950
Dublin City Council €430 €500 €660 €900 €1,250 €1,275 €1,300
Galway City Council €330 €360 €575 €650 €850 €875 €900
Limerick City & County €270 €300 €420 €450 €650 €700 €750
Waterford City & County €240 €270 €430 €450 €550 €575 €600

Should you have 4 or more children or if you cannot find a suitable household within these limits, there is flexibility on these limits of up to 20%.

What Are the Benefits for Tenants of the HAP Scheme?

  1. Freedom To Choose - Tenants select their own accommodation suited to household needs, work, and schools
  2. Tailored Payments - Contributions are customised to income and ability to pay
  3. Allows Other Social Benefits - HAP participation doesn't prevent accessing supplementary welfare or rent-a-room schemes
  4. Minimum Standards Protection - Tenants have full rights under the Residential Tenancies Act
  5. Longevity - Financial support continues even if financial situation improves

What Are the Disadvantages for Tenants of the HAP Scheme?

  • Accountability - Failure to pay contributions to the local authority suspends landlord payments
  • Cost Increase - Tenants become responsible for full rent plus arrears if authority stops payments
  • Risk of Eviction - Accumulated arrears expose tenants to eviction
  • Prejudice - Some landlords reluctant to participate, exacerbated by rental housing crisis
An article by the Irish Independent highlighted that many HAP tenants are priced out of up to 92% of the rental market.

What Are the Benefits of the HAP Scheme for Landlords?

  1. Guaranteed payments - Rent is received on time, every month, by electronic payment, and there is a 99% rent payment rate.
  2. Tax benefits - Enhanced tax relief and ability to claim mortgage interest as expenses
  3. Selectivity - Landlord retains all rights and obligations under Residential Tenancies Act

What Are the Disadvantages of the HAP Scheme for Landlords?

  • Minimum rental standards verification required
  • Tax compliance checks necessary

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Do I Qualify for the HAP Scheme?

To qualify, applicants must already be on their local authority's social housing list. Required documentation includes:

  • Photo identification
  • Proof of current address
  • Proof of income

The main criteria is having an annual income below a threshold set by the Government. Income limits vary by county and are published in government PDFs.

Citizens receiving Rent Supplement can transfer to HAP. Those receiving Rent Supplement for 18 months or longer are typically contacted by the local authority to apply for HAP.

Unlike social housing, HAP tenants find their own accommodation in the private rental market, and landlords must agree to participate.

How To Apply for the HAP Scheme?

Two-step application process:

  1. Request the HAP Scheme application form from your local authority after finding suitable accommodation within rent limits
  2. Landlord completes their portion of the form
  3. Once approved, complete the Rent Contribution Agreement (payment arrangement between tenant and authority)
  4. Present signed lease agreement copy

Is There a HAP Login?

Tenants typically pay via standing order but can use the HAP login portal for one-off online payments if facing payment issues. The portal is accessible at the HAP login website.

Required for login:

  • Customer number
  • Password

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The Dublin Homeless HAP Scheme

Dublin's local authority operates an additional scheme through the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE). Features include:

  • DRHE provides deposit and two months' advance rent to participating landlords
  • Rent limits can exceed regular HAP by 50%
  • DRHE assists homeless or at-risk households locate appropriate housing
  • Contact: 01 222 6955 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) or via email

Frequently Asked Questions About the HAP scheme

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme is a government programme where local authorities pay rent directly to landlords on behalf of qualifying tenants. Tenants then pay a weekly contribution to the local authority based on their income and circumstances.

To qualify, you must be on your local authority's social housing waiting list and have an annual income below the threshold set by the Government. You will need photo identification, proof of address, and proof of income.

HAP rent limits in Dublin range from €430 for a single adult in shared accommodation to €1,300 for a couple or single adult with 3 children. If you have 4 or more children or cannot find suitable accommodation within limits, a flexibility of up to 20% may apply.

No. Under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015, it is unlawful to discriminate against potential tenants because they receive social welfare or housing payments including HAP. Landlords who refuse tenants solely on the basis of HAP can face legal consequences.

Yes. The rent supplement is no longer open to new applicants and existing recipients are being steadily transferred to the HAP scheme, which provides longer-term social housing support.