Government to put social housing residency rules on statutory footing
Wednesday 8 July 2026
Proposed legislation will formally require social housing applicants to prove they are both legally and habitually resident in Ireland.
The Irish Government is introducing legislation to formally require people applying for social housing to prove they are both legally and habitually resident in Ireland.
The Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 will amend existing housing legislation to place these requirements on a statutory footing. While lawful residency rules already exist in practice—meaning undocumented migrants and international protection seekers are not eligible for social housing support—the criteria have not previously been established in formal legislation.
Housing Minister James Browne stated that the statutory changes are intended to provide greater clarity regarding who qualifies for social housing support.
However, the proposed rules have drawn concern from advocacy groups. Focus Ireland warned that the legislative changes could lead to vulnerable individuals being denied emergency shelter. Additionally, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission previously wrote to the Minister to express concerns that the provisions would likely result in more people being shut out from accessing social housing assistance.