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Cost rental eligibility and income limits

Check whether your household qualifies, and how much rent you could be approved for.

Enter your income to see the most rent you could be approved for, and which open schemes fit.

The rules

These are the LDA's criteria for cost rental. Other providers use the same national rules, and each listing has the final word.

  • Net household income below €66,000 a year in Dublin, or €59,000 elsewhere. You'll need to show how you worked it out.
  • Not getting social housing supports, including HAP and Rent Supplement.
  • Not owning a property in Ireland or anywhere else.
  • A household size that suits the home, with everyone living in Ireland when you apply.
  • Permanent residence and tax residence in Ireland.
  • Rent of no more than 35% of your net household income.
  • One application per household for each home type.

Income needed for each rent

Under the 35% rule, this is the lowest yearly income after tax that qualifies for each monthly rent.

Rent per monthIncome needed per yearWithin the limit
€1,000€34,286Anywhere
€1,200€41,143Anywhere
€1,400€48,000Anywhere
€1,600€54,858Anywhere
€1,800€61,715Dublin only
€2,000€68,572Neither

Which home sizes fit your household

The LDA won't allocate a home your household would over- or under-occupy.

HomeSuits
Studio or 1 bedA single person or a couple
2 bedTwo adults, a couple, a couple and one other adult, or a couple or lone parent with one or two children
3 bedThree adults, a couple and one other adult, a couple with one or more children, or a lone parent with two or more children
4 bedFour adults, a couple and two other adults, a couple with two or more children, or a lone parent with three or more children

A household is over-occupying if more than two children share a bedroom, or two children of the opposite sex share when one of them is 10 or older.

Common questions

Who can apply for cost rental?

Your household's net income must be below €66,000 a year in Dublin or €59,000 elsewhere. You can't be getting social housing supports such as HAP or Rent Supplement, or own a property in Ireland or abroad. Your household size has to suit the home, and the rent can't be more than 35% of your net income. Check your income.

Can I apply for more than one home size?

Yes, if your household fits each size. The LDA allows one application per household for each home type, and applying twice for the same type gets you disqualified. Which sizes fit your household.

How long do I have to send documents if I'm picked?

The LDA gives successful applicants 72 hours to upload proof of income and other documents, after which the offer goes to the next person drawn. Have payslips, bank statements and references ready before you apply.

Source: LDA cost rental, checked 17 October 2026.