Differential Rent Scheme

From 25th April 2026, Fingal County Council will update how rent is calculated for social housing tenants. This applies to:

The scheme is based on household income. It aims to keep rents fair and help maintain homes.

Key Changes

Primary Earner: Pays 14.5% of weekly net income (was 12%)
Subsidiary Earners: Pays 14.5% of weekly net income, capped at €60 per week
Self-Employed: Where proof of income is not provided, €600/week income is assumed until proof is presented.

Why is the Council Making These Changes?

The scheme has been reviewed in line with the increasing cost of management and maintenance of the housing stock.
Household incomes have increased since the scheme was last reviewed in 2013, aligning with increases in the national minimum wage and increases in social welfare payments.
Fingal County Council manages over 7,400 social homes between FCC-owned & leased stock, of which over 50% is more than 25 years old. The new rent charge will support;
- Day‑to‑day repairs and essential maintenance to homes
- Energy‑efficiency improvements
- Boiler replacements
- Upgrading windows, doors and roofs
- Housing adaptations to meet tenants’ accessibility needs.

What This Means for Tenants

What Action Do Tenants Need to Take?

No action is required at present. New charges based on current details will be communicated to all tenants after the implementation date.
However, if your circumstances have changed since your last rent assessment you should proactively provide up-to-date income details for you and all adult members of your household.

Scheme FAQ

What changes are being made to the current differential rent scheme?

Parameter	2013	2026
Differential Rent % Primary Earner	12% of assessable income	14.5% of assessable income
Subsidiary Earner contribution	12% of assessable income, €40 max	14.5% of assessable income, €60 max
Assessment of self-employed persons	Assumed net income of €500 per week	Assumed net income of €600 per week

When do the changes come into effect?

Changes to Fingal County Council’s Differential Rent Scheme will come into effect on Saturday, 25 April 2026. You will receive a letter outlining your new rent charge after the implementation date.

How has the scheme been approved?

The scheme has been prepared and approved in line with national legislation, under which the setting of rent charges is as an executive function of Fingal County Council.
Income from differential rents was incorporated into the Council’s 2026 annual budget which was agreed by elected members in November 2025.

Why are the changes being made?

The scheme has been reviewed in line with the increasing cost of management and maintenance of the housing stock.
Household incomes have increased since the scheme was last reviewed in 2013, aligning with increases in the national minimum wage and increases in social welfare payments.
Fingal County Council manages over 7,400 social homes between FCC-owned & leased stock, of which over 50% is more than 25 years old. The new rent charge will support;
- Day‑to‑day repairs and essential maintenance to homes
- Energy‑efficiency improvements
- Boiler replacements
- Upgrading windows, doors and roofs
- Housing adaptations to meet tenants’ accessibility needs

Do the changes affect everyone?

All social housing tenancies assessed under the Fingal County Council differential rent scheme will be affected by the new rent scheme. This includes FCC-owned tenancies, Approved Housing Body tenancies, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) tenancies and properties leased by Fingal County Council.
As the scheme is income-related, the way in which it will affect rent charges will vary according to earnings. You will be informed of your new rent charge after the implementation date.

Are there any exemptions?

All social housing tenancies will be charged according to the differential rent scheme.

When will tenants be informed of their new rent charge?

Tenants will receive a letter outlining their new rent charge after the implementation date.

What types of income are assessed?

Assessable income of principal or subsidiary earners will, in general, be the normal net weekly wage and/or social welfare payments, after deductions of tax, PRSI, and USC contributions (where applicable).

If I am a Lower Income earner how will my rent charge change?

The Rent calculation is based on the tenants’ specific circumstances and income levels across all household occupants.
Fingal County Council will engage with all tenants after the implementation date to advise accordingly.

Do I have to do anything?

No, not at the moment. New charges based on your current details will be communicated to all tenants after the implementation date. However, if your circumstances have changed since your last rent assessment you should proactively provide up-to-date income details for you and all adult members of your household.

What documents should I provide if my assessment is incorrect?

For those in employment, an Employment Detail Summary (EDS) for the tax year preceding the period under review.
For those who have multiple employments, a Statement of Liability for the tax year preceding the period under review in addition to the EDS for the tax year preceding the period under review for each employment.
If you are self-employed, the “assessable income” is based on the most recently available Notice of Assessment (Chapter 4), and this document must be for a financial year no more than 2 years older than the period under review.

What payment options are available?

What happens if I do not pay my rent?

Failure to pay your weekly rent charge and/or any rent arrears owing will result in a breach of your Tenancy Agreement. You will be contacted by a member of the rents team and given an opportunity to enter a manageable repayment arrangement.
If you do not enter a repayment arrangement, a Tenancy Warning will be issued, and legal action may be taken to recover your home.
It is the responsibility of the Tenant(s) to provide full and accurate details of household composition and income.

Who do I contact for more information?