Housing

Private Rentals 

Most houses, apartments and rooms that are available to rent or share are advertised on accommodation websites such as Daft, or My Home

There is currently a shortage of available properties to rent and rents can be very high so make sure that you can afford the rent being asked considering your income and bills that you will need to pay. When you are renting a room, house or apartment, you are responsible for paying all household bills, unless you are told by the landlord that it is included in the rent. Household bills usually include: heating (electricity/gas /oil), electricity, TV licence + TV provider, internet, and waste (bins).

You will be asked for a security deposit before moving into the accommodation. The landlord holds this deposit as security to cover any rent arrears, bills owing or damage to the property. Deposit usually is in a value of a month’s rent. Usually rent is charged in advance so before moving you will have to make upfront payments of two month’s rent. This includes a deposit and one month’s rent in advance.

Landlords often want to see references from your employer and previous landlord before they will rent you a property. It is a good idea to bring these references with you when you are going to a viewing. For people moving out of IPAS (International Protection Applicants) or UCTAT (Ukrainian) accommodation you can ask the centre manager for a reference or get references from any volunteer or work experience or education undertaken.

Private rental sector in Ireland is overseen by Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).The rights and responsibilities of tenants (you) and Landlords are listed at their website. 

Accommodation Supports

Social Housing

Local authorities are the main providers of social housing support in Ireland. Support is available to people who cannot afford to pay for housing from their own resources.

To apply for Social Housing in Kilkenny, you must make an application that can be accessed at this link and submitted to: 

Housing Department

John's Green House, John's Green, Kilkenny R95 CX92

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. afternoons are by appointment only

Telephone: +353 56 779 4900 Email:housing@kilkennycoco.ie

Your application will be assessed based on your income, family size, current accommodation, accommodation history, immigration status, health and any disability. You will need to have a connection to your local authority area for example current accommodation, work or school, medical needs or relative member leaving in the area.

If you qualify for social housing support, you will be added to the local authority housing waiting list. Waiting lists are long and due to a shortage of housing units, it may take a number of years for you to be offered a house by your local authority.

If you are a migrant, you must have a legal right to remain in the State on a long-term basis in order to access social housing support. 

Ukrainian Citizens under Temporary protection status are not eligible for Social Housing Supports including HAP

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

When you are approved for social housing, you can apply for Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities to help tenants pay for private rented accommodation. Under HAP, local authorities can provide housing assistance to households with a long-term housing need, including many long-term Rent Supplement recipients. HAP is provided by the local authority i.e. Kilkenny County Council (not by the Department of Social Protection). You must be on a Housing List in order to be eligible. 

Homeless Accommodation/Support Services

Homeless Action Team

Homeless Action Team has a range of accommodation options available via contracted services by both Kilkenny County Council and the HSE with voluntary housing bodies. These include family apartments, single hostels for both males and females, women's and children's facilities with opportunities available in the single hostels when various providers are at capacity.

Homeless action Team is not able to provide supports for people that have refused IPAS provided accommodation.

Address: Housing Department

John's Green House, John's Green, Kilkenny R95 CX92

The Good Shepherd Centre

The Good Shepherd Centre provides temporary and long term supported accommodation and social housing to people who are homeless. They also offer preventative services for families at risk of being homeless and respite care for the loved ones and families of people with addiction.

Address: Church Ln, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 DW32 (056) 772 2566

International Protection Applicants

Direct Provision

Ireland’s reception system for people seeking international protection/ asylum seekers is known as Direct Provision. When you apply for international protection (asylum) you will be provided with accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). This means that you will be provided with:

• A bed
• Meals or cooking facilities
• A weekly living expenses allowance (€38.80)
• Access to a medical card(free healthcare)

A Guide for people moving out of Direct Provision and into independent accommodation has been produced by Doras (2022), a migrant support NGO based in Limerick.

The Irish Refugee Council’s Housing Programme assists people in overcoming barriers when moving out from Direct Provision by providing direct housing support and accommodation. For more information visit Irish Refugee Council - Housing or email housing@irishrefugeecouncil.ie

De Paul

Peter McVerry Trust provide assistance to people moving out of Direct Provision in Kilkenny and they may be able to help you to find a property and arrange the related applications.

Email: resettlement@depaulcharity.net

If you need accommodation or have problems with your current temporary accommodation, you can email: ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.