Housing & Accommodation

• Private Rental
• Accommodation Supports
• Homeless Accommodation / Support Services
• International Protection Applicants
• Irish Refugee Council

Private Rental

Most houses, apartments and rooms that are available to rent or share are advertised on accommodation websites such as www.daft.ie, www.let.ie or www.myhome.ie.

There is currently a shortage of available properties to rent and rents can be very high especially in the City Centre and Suburbs, so make sure that you can afford the rent being asked considering your income and bills that you will need to pay . When you are renting a room, house or apartment, you are responsible for paying all household bills, unless you are told by the landlord that it is included in the rent. Household bills usually include: heating (electricity / gas / oil), electricity, TV licence + TV provider, internet, and waste (bins).

You will be asked for a security deposit before moving into the accommodation. The landlord holds this deposit as security to cover any rent arrears, bills owing or damage to the property. Deposit usually is in a value of a month’s rent. Usually rent is charged in advance so before moving you will have to make upfront payments of two month’s rent. This includes a deposit and one month’s rent in advance.

Landlords often want to see references from your employer and previous landlord before they will rent you a property. It is a good idea to bring these references with you when you are going to a viewing. For people moving out of Direct Provision or IPAS accommodation you can ask the centre manager for a reference or get references from any volunteering experience (if applicable) or education undertaken.

Private rental sector in Ireland is overseen by Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).The rights and responsibilities of tenants (you) and Landlords are listed at their website www.rtb.ie

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Accommodation Supports

Social Housing

Local authorities are the main providers of social housing support in Ireland. Support is available to people who cannot afford to pay for housing from their own resources.

To apply for Social Housing in Limerick City and County Council you must make an application that can be accessed at this link: LCCC Social Housing Application

Merchants Quay Office:
Corporate Headquarters, Limerick City and County Council, Merchants Quay, Limerick, V94 EH90
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Dooradoyle Office:
Limerick City and County Council, Dooradoyle Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick, V94 WV78
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T +35361556000
E customerservices@limerick.ie

Your application will be assessed based on your income, family size, current accommodation, accommodation history, immigration status, health and any disability. You will need to have a connection to your local authority area for example current accommodation, work or school, medical needs or relative member leaving in the area.

If you qualify for social housing support, you will be added to the local authority housing waiting list. Waiting lists are long and due to a shortage of housing units, it may take a number of years for you to be offered a house by your local authority.

If you are a migrant, you must have a legal right to remain in the State on a long-term basis in order to access social housing support. Detailed rules on access to social housing supports for non-Irish nationals are contained in Circular Housing 41/2012 .

Ukrainian Citizens under Temporary protection status are not eligible for Social Housing Supports including HAP

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

When you are approved for social housing, you can apply for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities to help tenants pay for private rented accommodation. Under HAP, local authorities can provide housing assistance to households with a long-term housing need, including many long-term Rent Supplement recipients. HAP is provided by the local authority i.e. Limerick City & County Council (not by the Department of Social Protection). You must be on a Housing List in order to be eligible. For more information go to www.hap.ie or contact Limerick City and County Council.

Rent Supplement

Rent Supplement is very limited short-term means-tested payment for certain people living in private rented accommodation who cannot provide for the cost of their accommodation from their own resources.

Rent Supplement Application packs are available in Intreo Centres, alternatively you can request a pack by emailing RentSupplement@welfare.ie or call national helpline no. of 0818 405060. Each pack contains detailed information (including a list of documentation you will need) and all the relevant application forms.

For more information, visit Rent Supplement (citizensinformation.ie)

Anyone applying for rent will have to satisfy Habitual Residence Conditions.

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Homeless Accommodation / Support Services

Homeless Action Team

Homeless Action Team has a range of accommodation options available via contracted services by both Limerick City and County Council and the HSE with voluntary housing bodies. These include family apartments, single hostels for both males and females, women's and children's facilities with opportunities available in the single hostels when various providers are at capacity.

Homeless action Team is not able to provide supports for people that have refused IPAS provided accommodation.

Address:
2 Church Street
John's Square
Limerick V94 DP48
Normal Business Hours: +353 61 557051
Out of Hours: 1800 606060
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Novas

Novas provides temporary and long term supported accommodation and social housing to people who are homeless. They also offer preventative services for families at risk of being homeless and respite care for the loved ones and families of people with addiction.

Address:
87 O Connell Street
Limerick City
V94 XN51
Out of Hours: 1800 606060
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Focus Ireland

If you need support in any area of housing or homelessness, Focus Ireland can provide:

• Advice on finding your way through the homelessness system, out of homelessness and into a home

• Information to help you avoid becoming homeless in the first place

• Support to access emergency accommodation or support while you’re staying in emergency accommodation

Address:
7a Catherine Place
Limerick
Telephone: 061 405300
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Mid West Simon

Mid West Simon can assist in providing emergency accommodation, permanent housing, and access to food and support services.

Address:
Speakers Corner
Lower Carey’s Road
Limerick, V94 0R25
Open Monday-Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 061 608980
Email: reception@mwsimon.ie
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International Protection Applicants

Direct Provision

Ireland’s reception system for people seeking international protection/ asylum seekers is known as Direct Provision. When you apply for international protection (asylum) you will be provided with accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). This means that you will be provided with:

• A bed

• Meals or cooking facilities

• A weekly living expenses allowance

• Access to a medical card (free healthcare)

A Guide for people moving out of Direct Provision and into independent accommodation has been produced by Doras (2022), a migrant support NGO based in Limerick.

The Irish Refugee Council’s Housing Programme assists people in overcoming barriers when moving out from Direct Provision by providing direct housing support and accommodation. For more information visit Housing (www.Irishrefugeecouncil.ie) or email housing@irishrefugeecouncil.ie

Peter McVerry Trust

Peter McVerry Trust provide assistance to people moving out of Direct Provision and they may be able to help you to find a property and arrange the related applications.

Address:
50 O’Connell St, Limerick
Office hours: 10am – 2pm
Telephone: 061 214 882
Email: info@pmvtrust.ie
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If you need accommodation or have problems with your current temporary accommodation, you can email ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.

Doras

If you have problems with your current accommodation, you can also contact Doras, an independent non-profit organization based in Limerick who provide information and support to people living in Direct Provision and IPAS accommodation centers.

Address:
51a O’Connell Street
Limerick
061310328
info@doras.org
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Irish Refugee Council

Information and Advocacy team can offer helpline to offer free and confidential information and advice to International Protection applicants and people from a refugee background on a variety of topics, including: The Asylum process, Direct Provision, Family Reunification,

Tel: 01 7645854
Opened: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Email: info@irishrefugeecouncil.ie

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