Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

Information for property owners and landlords.

What is Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)?

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities.
HAP replaces Rent Supplement for those with a long-term housing need who qualify for social housing support.
Under HAP, local authorities provide housing assistance for households with a long-term housing need, including many long-term Rent Supplement recipients.
HAP provides a more integrated system of housing supports and allows households that find full-time work to remain in the scheme.
Under HAP, local authorities will make payments on behalf of tenants directly to landlords for rent subject to agreed amount.
HAP recipients will be responsible for finding their own accommodation in the private rented sector.

Direct payment – you will be paid electronically on the last Wednesday of each month.
This payment covers the occupation of the property by the HAP tenant for that calendar month.
The payment is subject to terms and conditions including rent limits and that the HAP tenant pays a rent contribution to the local authority.
Consistency of payment – the HAP payment to you will not change if your tenant’s income changes.
Low administration – you don’t need to collect rent or make requests for payment from your HAP tenant.
Easy banking – all payments are made electronically.
Tax Relief - Since 1 January 2016, landlords who rent to tenants in receipt of social housing supports such as HAP may avail of increased tax relief. This allows property owners to claim 100% on their mortgage interest, as an expense against rental income. To qualify for this tax relief, you must undertake to make the accommodation available to qualifying tenants for at least three years, and the undertaking must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)

Please contact the Hap Section:

Telephone – 01-2226955

Landlord Booklet

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