COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2026

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor M. Johansson

To ask the Chief Executive to provide a report on how many rent accounts have been assessed in 2026 (per month) and the average rent increase per household?

REPLY:

Social housing rent accounts are currently assessed on a rolling basis and are calculated on a Differential Rent which is based on household income. The targeted number of assessments for 2026 is 4,000.

Tenants are required to notify us of any change in their household income and submit relevant documentation immediately, so their rent can be adjusted e.g., copy of payslip or social welfare payment.The Rents team have assessed almost 3,800 rent accounts to date this year. It currently takes approximately two weeks to review a rent assessment application provided all the information submitted is complete. However, in a significant number of cases, additional information is requested, and we provide tenants with an additional 14 days to respond.

An updated Differential Rent Scheme was introduced in July 2026 which provides consistency across all households with updated rents of up to 12.5% of net household income, ensuring that rents correspond with tenants’ ability to pay. 

The scheme also features new measures to ensure that rents remain fair, proportionate and reasonable, including:

• Maximum €40 weekly charge on income from subsidiary earners
• Removal of €3 fixed weekly additional charge
• €10 weekly rent discount for persons age aged 65+ with state pension income only
• Weekly discount of €2 for each dependent child

Rent Assessments and Average Monthy Rent 2026

Month	Number of assessments
January	560
February	336
March	356
April	497
May	419
June	295
July	623
August	713

Month	Average monthly rent €
January	325.00
February	327.55
March	329.07
April	330.76
May	333.84
June	337.26
July	340.21
August	349.05