Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the percentage of a person's income and or social welfare payment towards a housing assistance payment contribution and rent top-up (details supplied) deemed acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48516/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) tenants find their own accommodation in the private rented market and are advised that this accommodation should be within the HAP rent limits provided to them by the local authority. The limits applicable are related to the specific household and the rental market in the area. HAP also allows for tenants to work full-time and retain their housing support so, in many cases, people may make choices about affordability taking this into consideration.

My Department is aware that some HAP recipients are making payments directly to their landlords, beyond the amount of HAP being paid on their behalf. There is no legislative provision precluding HAP supported households contributing towards the monthly rent to their landlord beyond that of their HAP payment. However, decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation is solely a matter for the local authority concerned and local authorities have a responsibility to ensure that tenancies are sustainable and are advised not to provide HAP support to tenancies where the household would not be in a position to meet the rental costs being sought.

Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it.  It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case-by-case basis.