Simon Communities Report Only 12 HAP-Eligible Rentals Nationwide

The Simon Communities of Ireland reported that only 12 rental properties out of 1,361 surveyed across 16 areas fell within Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) limits in September 2026. The Locked Out of the Market report found that 11 of the 16 surveyed areas—including Cork City, Limerick City, Waterford, Sligo Town, and Galway City—had no available properties within HAP limits. Without discretionary increases of up to 50% in Dublin and 35% elsewhere, no properties were available nationwide. No properties were available for families with children at standard HAP rates.

Executive Director Ber Grogan criticized the Government of Ireland for failing to increase HAP limits in Budget 2027, noting that monthly rents for three-bedroom homes have reached as high as €3,300. Grogan argued that the gap between support and market rents has led to hidden homelessness, with some individuals sleeping in their cars. The report noted a decrease of eight available properties since June, despite an overall rise in advertised rentals.

Housing Minister James Browne stated that HAP tenancies were reduced to decrease reliance on the private sector. However, the Simon Communities maintain the scheme is a critical prevention mechanism against homelessness, which reached a record 17,885 people in August 2026. Labour housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan has urged the government to publish the HAP review and increase support levels.