Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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256. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position in regard to rent support in the case of persons (details supplied); if the issue regarding the level of rent support has been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21941/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The rental property of the persons concerned is in an area designated as a Rental Pressure Zone. Rents for properties in a Rental Pressure Zone, are only permitted to rise according to a prescribed formula by a maximum of 4% annually. The persons concerned informed my Department that their rent had been increased to €1300 per calendar from 1 December 2017 which is in excess of the 4% permitted as the rent had most recently been increased to €1125 per calendar month on 30 October 2014. As the maximum increased rent allowable would be €1194.38, my Department is unable to grant an increase in Rent Supplement for a rent increased in excess of this amount.

The persons concerned have been asked to provide a lease agreement and a completed Rent Supplement application form which confirms a rent being charged which does not exceed the permitted rate outlined above. On receipt of this documentation, the rate of Rent Supplement payable can be re-assessed. In the interim Rent Supplement will continue to be paid at the current approved rate.

The persons concerned have been advised to make contact with the Residential Tenancies Board to get further information regarding their rights as tenants.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.