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Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a social housing support. It replaced Rent Supplement for those with a long term housing need. Persons applying for HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) must be a qualified housing applicant(s) before they can apply for HAP. If you are eligible as an approved housing applicant, you must find your own private rented accommodation (within specific rent caps). The Local Authority will pay the landlord directly and the tenant will pay a rent to the local authority based on the differential rent scheme. The rent will be based on your weekly household income and works in a similar way to the differential rents charged for local authority houses.

NEW for HAP:

1. How to apply for HAP online:

You can now apply for HAP online, however you must be on Offaly County Councils waiting list before you can complete the online application form. A valid Offaly County Council Social Housing Application Number is required for this online process. Below are 2 links regarding Frequently Asked Questions for Landlords & Tenants along with link to the HAP Online Portal where you can view tutorials for the online process prior to applying.

Landlord FAQ’s for online application.

Tenant FAQ’s for online application.

Apply online at–HAP Online Portal

2. Online Payment Options.

HAP Payments can now be made through the following options:

  1. Online at https://happayments.limerick.ie-for this you will need your HAP Recipient ID and Pin.
  2. Phone 061529654 and ensure you have your HAP Recipient ID and Pin to hand.
  3. HAP Billpay Card in any Post Office or PostPoint shop.
  4. HAP APP-can be downloaded via Google Playstore or Apple Store, you will need your HAP Recipient ID and Pin.

To obtain or find out your HAP Recipient ID and Pin please contact HAP Limerick:

Phone: +353 61 556600 and select option 1 for ‘tenants‘, alternativley email hapcollections@limerick.ie

See the attached Tenant & Landlord forms below for more detailed information.

HAP Landlord Information Booklet Eng. V3 2016

HAP Landlord Information Booklet Ire. V3 2016

HAP Leaflet Eng-Ire V3 2016

HAP Tenant Information Booklet Eng. V3 2016

HAP Tenant Information Booklet Ire. V3 2016

Maximum Rent Cap in Offaly per Month

Inspections

Offaly County Council is dedicated to improving the living standards of tenants in private rented housing. This is done, in accordance with Government Regulations, through the inspection of private rented properties. However, if a tenant is experiencing an issue in their property, they should always report it to the landlord in the first instance. Tenants experiencing problems can request a minimum standards inspections by email to standards@offalycoco.ie The Council will endeavour to ensure timely inspections on foot of complaints received and for keeping the complainant apprised of both the outcome and action(s) to be taken at each stage of the process.

Housing Standards

The main objective of the Housing Standards Regulations is to establish minimum standards in order to protect the health and wellbeing of tenants and to make private rented houses safe and fit for habitation.

Landlords are legally obliged to ensure that their private rented houses (which include a house, flat or an apartment) are maintained in good condition and repair and comply with the Regulations. Landlords failing to comply with their legal obligations in private rented houses are liable to be prosecuted, and on conviction, may be subject to a fine or imprisonment or both.

The following are covered in detail under the housing standards legislation and the technical guide document:

  • Structural Condition
  • Sanitary Facilities
  • Heating Facilities
  • Food Preparation and Storage and Laundry
  • Ventilation
  • Lighting
  • Fire Safety
  • Refuse
  • Electricity and Gas
  • Dealing with Complaints      

Prohibition Notices

A Prohibition Notice is served when the housing authority is of the opinion that a landlord has failed to comply with an Improvement Notice served on them.

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