1716. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if HAP will be accessible for renters who rent out modular homes in back gardens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60118/26]

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support available for people who have a long-term housing need. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing is immediately eligible for HAP.

Under the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.

The HAP scheme in underpinned by the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. The requirements for the scheme are set out in the Act including that the property must meet rental property standards as prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these Regulations.

The Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 3) Regulations 2026, (S.I. No.340 of 2026), provide an exemption from planning permission for a detached auxiliary dwelling to the rear of a principal dwelling house subject to certain conditions. Irrespective of the exemption from planning permission, an auxiliary dwelling must comply with Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations.

In order for housing assistance to be provided under the Act the housing authority must be satisfied that the tenancy concerned is or would be a tenancy in good faith. Decisions in relation to HAP, including the suitability of HAP accommodation, is a matter for the local authority concerned.