Cost Rental Housing

Cost Rental means the rent is based on how much it actually costs to build, manage, and maintain the home — not on market prices or profit. This makes the rent at least 25% lower than similar homes in the area.

Cost Rental homes are for people and families with moderate incomes who don’t qualify for social housing but still find it hard to afford market rents. To be eligible:

• Your net household income is below €66,000 per year
• You’re not receiving social housing supports (like HAP or Rent Supplement)
• You don’t own a home
• The home size suits your household (e.g. a 2-bed for a couple or lone parent with children)
• You can afford the rent
• You’ve only applied once for a specific Cost Rental home

Net Household Income means the total income of everyone aged 18+ in your household, after tax, USC, PRSI, and pension deductions.

Net income includes earnings after tax and deductions. The following income types are considered:

• Wages (including overtime, bonuses, commissions — with limits)
• Public sector pensionable allowances
• Self-employment income
• Maintenance payments (if applicable)
• Income from investments or dividends
• Pensions (including those from abroad)
• Most social welfare payments (except those listed in FAQ 4)

These income sources are excluded when calculating eligibility:

• Child Benefit or Guardian’s Payment
• Carer’s Allowance
• Scholarships or education grants
• Foster care payments
• Domiciliary Care Allowance
• Fuel Allowance
• Living Alone Allowance
• Rent or mortgage interest supplements
• Payments from charities
• Mobility Allowance
• Exceptional or urgent needs payments
• Redundancy payments due to job loss
• Payments under FÁS schemes

You’ll need to submit the following documents online during the application window:

• A cover letter explaining your Net Household Income
• ID for all household members (including children)
• Proof of current address (dated within 3 months)
• Proof of Irish residency (if required)
• Proof of income for everyone aged 18+ (e.g. payslips, accounts, Revenue statements)
• Employer reference for employed household members
• Bank statements (last 3 months, showing income and rent payments)
• Landlord reference (if applicable)

If you haven’t rented before, you may need a character reference and proof of savings or contributions to household expenses.

Tip: Start gathering your documents early! All documents must be valid and dated correctly. Invalid or missing documents may result in your application being rejected.

Here’s a general guide:

• 1-bedroom: One person or a couple
• 2-bedroom: Two adults, a couple, or a lone parent with children
• 3-bedroom: Three adults, cohabiting couple and one adult, cohabiting couple with 1 or more children or lone parent with 2 or more children.

When a Cost Rental development is advertised, the application dates will be announced. You’ll apply online during that time.

Homes are allocated through a lottery system to keep things fair. After the application window closes, a random draw is held to create a list of eligible applicants.