Brian Brennan (Wicklow-Wexford, Fine Gael)
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585. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a landlord can enter into a HAP agreement with a tenant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2414/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. As a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. Any household with an identified housing need is eligible for HAP.

In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Act the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Where there is a family relationship between the tenant and the landlord, the housing authority may seek evidence of a previous landlord and tenant relationship between a landlord and HAP applicant. This evidence may include:

• Proof of rent payments;
• A lease or tenancy agreement for the property; and
• Registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.