Irish renters face bleak reality as just 12 properties found within HAP limits in September
A new report from the Simon Community also revealed that 11 of the 16 areas surveyed had no rental properties available within HAP limits
New figures have exposed the scale of Ireland's rental crisis, with just 12 properties available within Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits across 16 areas surveyed nationwide.
The alarming findings come from the latest Locked Out of the Market report by the Simon Communities of Ireland, published on Tuesday.
Researchers examined rental listings across three dates in September and identified 1,361 properties available to rent at any price.
However, just 12 of these properties fell within HAP limits, even when higher discretionary payment rates were taken into account.
The figure represents a decline from June, when 20 properties were identified within the scheme's limits.
Despite overall rental availability increasing by 4% since June and 63% compared with September 2025, the number of properties affordable to HAP recipients has continued to fall.
The report revealed that 11 of the 16 areas surveyed had no rental properties available within HAP limits.
These included Cork city centre and suburbs, Limerick city centre and suburbs, Galway city centre and suburbs, Waterford city centre, Sligo town, Portlaoise, Athlone and Co Leitrim.
Of the 12 properties identified nationwide, seven were located in Dublin, three in Dundalk and two in Kildare.
The findings paint a particularly concerning picture for families seeking accommodation.
Not a single property surveyed was available to households with children within standard HAP limits.
For a couple or lone parent with one child, just one property was available within discretionary HAP limits, located in Dundalk.
The Simon Communities of Ireland has renewed calls for the Government to increase HAP limits to reflect the reality of Ireland's rental market.
Ber Grogan, executive director of the organisation, expressed disappointment that Budget 2027 failed to deliver an increase in the payment thresholds.
She warned that rental prices have risen dramatically over the past decade while HAP limits have remained largely unchanged.
The organisation says this growing gap is leaving vulnerable households unable to secure accommodation, despite qualifying for housing assistance.
Ms Grogan said increasing the limits would be an immediate and practical measure to help households access housing.
The Housing Assistance Payment scheme provides financial support to eligible households renting privately, with local authorities making payments to landlords while tenants contribute towards their rent.
Local authorities can approve discretionary increases of up to 50% above standard HAP limits in Dublin and 35% elsewhere.
However, the latest findings suggest that even these additional allowances are failing to keep pace with rental costs.
The Simon Communities is urging the Government to address the widening affordability gap and ensure housing supports reflect current market conditions.