No properties available to rent under HAP scheme in Cork City suburbs last month

There were no properties available to rent within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme in Cork City suburbs last month, according to Simon Communities of Ireland’s quarterly Locked Out of the Market report. 

The latest report, from December 2023, shows 33 properties were available to rent within the discretionary rate of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme nationally. 

This is an increase of six properties (22%) since September 2023.

The report found 1,149 properties were available to rent at any price within 16 areas over the three dates surveyed (December 2023). 

This is a 28% (248 properties) increase from the 901 properties available in the September 2023 Locked Out report.

Properties within standard HAP rates

Just two properties were available within standard HAP rates. 

Both of these properties were located in Cork city centre. 

One property was suitable for both a couple/single person with one or two children. The other property was suitable for a couple/single person with two children.

In nine of the 16 areas, there were no HAP properties available to rent through HAP in any household category within standard or discretionary HAP limits. 

These were Athlone, Cork city suburbs, Galway city Ccntre, Kildare (selected areas), Leitrim, Limerick city suburbs, Limerick city centre, Sligo Town and Portlaoise.

The organisation said that although the total number of properties available to rent increased since the September Locked Out report, four of the 16 study areas saw a reduction in the number of properties available to rent. 

'Dearth of options'

Wayne Stanley, Executive Director at the Simon Communities of Ireland, said that the Locked Out reports continue to show the "dearth of options" for those experiencing homelessness in the private rental market. 

"While there was a small increase in availability in December 2023, it is clear the private rental market is not a sustainable option for the vast majority of people experiencing homelessness.

"The solution is well understood; it is more social housing.

"The scale of the homeless crisis in front of us requires immediate action from Government. In the short term, the Minister could increase the HAP rates to ensure that more properties become a viable option on a HAP payment. Government can work with local authorities to see a more targeted use of the allocations from local authorities. Also, progressing the Simon Homeless Prevention Bill would support local authorities and organisations like Simon to prevent homelessness and slow the increase.

"These actions would help bring much-needed hope into the system for people who are experiencing homelessness," he said.