Can I apply for social housing if my landlord is not registered?

artvanderlay

Hi there,

I'm thinking of sticking in an application for social housing, but my landlord is not registered and I'm paying him cash. He's a decent guy, quick to sort any problems, and kept the rent low for a long time, so I don't want to get him in bother. My question is there a way to apply for social housing without having to cause trouble for him? I know they need proof of address, but do they also need rental agreement/rent paid etc

Cheers.

zell12

I know they need proof of address, but do they also need rental agreement/rent paid etc

Yes.

Dav010

Are you in a RPZ?

artvanderlay

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121738632#Comment_121738632

No.

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058335213/can-i-apply-for-social-housing-if-my-landlord-is-not-registered

He’s doing you no favour by not registering you. He’s not a decent guy.

Dav010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121739076#Comment_121739076

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121739130#Comment_121739130

Sometimes you need to consider your options before you act to avoid the law of unintended consequences.

The op is paying below going rate in a non RPZ area, do I really need to explain what happens when the op starts asking for registrations/state benefits?

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121739339#Comment_121739339

The landlord pays taxes.

he may try to raise rent but is restricted by the amount he can raise

tje landlord tries to evict the tenant who then gets a pay out for an illegal eviction

Dav010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121739876#Comment_121739876

House isn’t in a RPZ, the rent increase could be considerable.

Mrs OBumble

OP do you want HAP, ie a subsidy for your current rent?

Or do you want a tenancy for life in a council house?

For the former, your tenancy certainly needs to be registered.

Not sure about the latter, though. Provided you meet the income criteria it shouldn't matter.

artvanderlay

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121740235#Comment_121740235

No, I wasn't thinking about HAP, just trying to get on the social housing list in case I need it down the line.

Mrs OBumble

Best to approach the council then, and see what they actually need in that case.

Fun fact:

Once upon a time, you could apply when your income was low, and when you got to the top of the list, you were aeeessed based on your income at the time you applied not your current income.

This has changed: you now need a low income to be accepted on to the list, and a low income when you are offered a property.

So keep that in mind.

But if you're eligible now, then absolutely do apply: there's nothing to lose.

gauchesnell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058335213/can-i-apply-for-social-housing-if-my-landlord-is-not-registered

definitely apply - think of your long term future.

I applied last year and got on it so I least now I can apply for choice based letting (not a hope of getting any ha ha)

I needed a copy of my lease along with the other docs but check your local council. You can also apply online in some areas.

Definitely apply - your landlord is ultimately not your friend. Maybe your lease should be sufficient.

The wording of the requirements varies widely - i.e. proof of tenancy agreement and RTB registration where available.

Also its net income limits - I dont think I have a low income but I qualify as it is net income.

gauchesnell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121740361#Comment_121740361

yeah not sure thats correct - offers are made based on your application/position on the list. Well for choice based letting which is what mostly offered now. And it is net income.