Navan family facing homelessness within weeks

A Navan family is facing homelessness within weeks, as they have found it impossible to find some place to rent that complies with the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) scheme rules.

The single mother and her autistic son had to leave the home they had been renting for nine years, as it was being sold and the search for alternative accommodation has been "a nightmare."

"We had to leave our home of nine years and I have spent so much tim, searching for somewhere else to rent. It has been extremely difficult. We eventually found an apartment, but the rent is €1,900."

HAP rules allow a payment of €1,316 for a family of their size. As the balance is more than 35 per cent of the family's income, HAP will not approve any payment for that property.

"We cannot afford to pay €1,900 ourselves. We will be homeless within weeks. It is very, very hard - impossible to find somewhere within the HAP amount."

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said HAP rates are currently out of sync with rates and many families have this problem.

"Many properties around Navan are now going for €2,000 plus a month and the HAP payments won't cover them. Tenants can top up the payments as long as it is not by over 35 per cent of their incomes, and this means so many people cannot take up these tenancies.

"It is becoming very, very difficult for families to find somewhere that will be covered by HAP."

Cllr Fennessy said it was a particular problem for people seeking one bedroom accommodation where the HAP limit is €945.

"Fifty per cent of those on the housing list in Navan are single people," he pointed out.

A spokesperson for Meath County Council said if a family want to avail of A HAP payment, they need to source a property to rent within their HAP limits.

The rates are €310 for an adult and €350 for a couple in shared accommodation,€575 for a adult and €700 for a couple in single accommodation. The rate for a couple or single parent with a child is €975 while the rate for a family with two children is €1050 and for three €1,1000.

She said local authorities have flexibility to go above the HAP rent limits if families cannot find accommodation within the limits. They do this on a case-by-case basis and can go up to 35 per cent above the rent limits.

She acknowledged that going 35 per cent above the rent limits in some instances is still not enough.

"A maximum of 35 per cent of the family’s income when in employment and 30 per cent when not earning, is allowed to be allocated to rent (this includes their differential rent). This determines their capacity for an allowable top up payment to the landlord. This ensures that families are not facing undue financial difficulty and can afford to live. We recommend that tenants contact the HAP office when considering potential properties so the appropriate checks can be done to ensure the property is suitable.

"If the family are at risk of homelessness, they should contact our Settlement Team and we will work with them to help prevent homelessness," she said.