The Council advances loans to Voluntary Housing Associations under both the Capital Assistance Scheme and the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme.  The determining of rent amounts is set down by the Department of Environment and Local Government and is different in each Scheme as follows:

Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme:

Approved housing bodies providing dwellings under the terms of the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme are responsible for determining the rent amounts to be paid by qualified tenants according to the following formula:

- the rent is calculated annually by reference to the tenants household income for the income tax year ending prior to the start of the loan subsidy year (1st July)

- the rent amount shall be not less than €6.35 per week for the first €102 or less of household income per week, plus €0.23 per week for each additional €1.27 of income over €102, with an abatement of €1.27 per week for each dependant child residing in the house subject to the rent not being less than €6.35 per week

- household income for the purpose of determining rents shall be the total income of the tenant and his/her spouse or of joint tenants as the case may be and, in addition, in the case of other persons residing in the house whose income is not included in household income, the weekly rent shall be increased by €0.23 for each €1.27 of such income in excess of €102, subject to the rent payable in respect of such person(s) being not more than €25.39 per week

- a 'dependant child' for the purposes of rent assessment means a person aged 18 years or under not in receipt of an income or a person under 23 who is attending a full time course of education

- the application of the rent formula may be modified, at the discretion of the approved housing body in particular respects where they consider it appropriate, subject to the overall rent yield being not less than what would be payable under the existing rent scheme.

The Council have no discretion in regard to the amount of rent charged under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme.

Capital Assistance Scheme:

Under the terms of this scheme, the approved housing bodies should fix rents at levels which are reasonable, having regard to tenants incomes, and the outlay of the approved housing body on the accommodation, including the ongoing costs of management. This would apply particularly in apartment type supported accommodation where rent payment can contribute to such things as management services, ongoing maintenance, cyclical maintenance services, charges for shared utility bills (heating and lighting communal areas) etc. However, it should be noted that tenants may qualify for a rent allowance if they meet certain criteria set down by the Community Welfare Officer.

It is a condition of advancing a loan under the Capital Assistance Scheme that the housing authority has rights of consultation in relation to the fixing of rents generally.