Not enough incentive for Carlow landlords to participate in HAP scheme

A Carlow Councillor says there’s no real incentive for landlords to get on board with the HAP scheme.

Under the Housing Assistance Payment scheme, local authorities pay landlords directly to use their properties as social housing – however there’s a cap on the rent they pay and the buildings have to be up to a particular standard.

Councillor John Cassin says this rent is often lower than their mortgage payments and in a town like Carlow, it’s more lucrative for landlords to rent to students.

Speaking to KCLR News, Councillor Cassin says they need more landlords to get involved but there’s just not enough incentive for them with many opting to rent on the private market instead.