Just 12 Rental Properties Affordable To HAP Tenants Across 16 Areas With Calls For Wexford Minister For Housing To Act

The Simon Communities have warned that people relying on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) are being effectively locked out of the private rental market, with just 12 properties available within HAP limits across 16 areas surveyed nationally.

The organisation's latest snapshot study found that while more than 1,360 properties were advertised for rent, only a tiny proportion were available within HAP limits.

Eleven of the 16 areas surveyed had no properties available within those limits.

Speaking on South East Radio this morning, a representative of the Simon Communities, Ber Grogan, said the findings highlight the growing gap between market rents and the level of housing support available to low-income households.

He warned that HAP limits have not kept pace with rising rents, leaving people who qualify for housing assistance unable to secure accommodation.

The organisation says the situation is placing people at greater risk of homelessness.

Calls for Housing Minister James Browne to intervene

The Simon Communities are calling on Wexford TD and Housing Minister James Browne to increase HAP limits as a matter of urgency.

Ger Brogan said the Minister has the power to make changes that could have an immediate impact on people trying to secure accommodation.

She said that there are people currently living in homeless services who have been approved for HAP but are unable to find properties they can afford.

She also raised concerns about discrimination against HAP recipients, warning that some prospective tenants continue to face obstacles when approaching landlords.

Refusing a tenancy solely because an applicant receives HAP is unlawful under equality legislation.

Working people among those experiencing homelessness

The organisation also highlighted the human impact of the housing crisis, revealing that some people are working or attending college while sleeping in their cars.

Others remain in emergency accommodation despite being ready to move into independent housing.

Ger Brogan said homelessness can be a deeply traumatic experience, particularly for families with children and people already experiencing physical or mental health difficulties.

With Christmas approaching, she warned that many parents are facing continued uncertainty about where they and their children will live.

The Simon Communities say increasing HAP limits would not solve the wider housing crisis, but could provide immediate relief for people at risk of homelessness and help others move out of emergency accommodation.

The organisation is urging the Government to address the growing affordability gap and ensure housing assistance reflects the realities of the rental market.