IHREC Raises Concern Over New Social Housing Residency Requirements in Ireland
The IHREC has warned Housing Minister James Browne that new social housing legislation requiring applicants to prove legal and habitual residency could exclude vulnerable groups. The bill, due this week, formalizes existing residency rules, but IHREC seeks exemptions for victims of trafficking and domestic violence.
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has written to Housing Minister James Browne, expressing concern over provisions in the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. This bill, due this week, will require social housing applicants to prove they are legally and habitually resident in Ireland, formalizing existing practice into law.
IHREC states these measures are likely to deny more people social housing, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like victims of trafficking, domestic and gender-based violence survivors, and migrant communities. The bill also extends lawful and habitual residence requirements to all adult household members seeking support.
Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick highlighted that victims of trafficking, who are highly vulnerable, need safe accommodation for recovery and protection. IHREC called for exemptions or discretionary provisions to ensure these victims and survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence are not excluded from social housing support.