gov.ie - Housing Standard for the Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme

2022-07-30 15:24:46 By : Ms. Lindy Zeng

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth;  Department of Social Protection

A claimant under the Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme* must ensure the eligible dwelling is safe and meets certain minimum standards. Where the dwelling is a room in the claimant’s home, such properties would not normally be subject to a housing standard.

A standard has been introduced for the purposes of this Scheme so as to ensure the safety of all concerned. This standard will apply even where the dwelling is a room in the claimant’s home.

The guidelines below will help you determine if the accommodation you are providing meets those standards and if you meet qualifying criteria for the monthly Recognition Payment of €400.

NOTE: All applicants for the Recognition Payment are reminded that they must declare that the accommodation they are offering complies with the standards set down in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Part 2) (Eligible Dwelling Standards) Regulations 2022.

Please be advised that this explanatory note does not purport to be a legal interpretation of those Regulations and that it is provided by way of guidance and assistance only.

Safety restrictors should operate so that they:

Safety restrictors should be designed specifically to operate on the types of window on which they are to be installed. Safety restrictors can be purchased in a local hardware store.

The eligible dwelling must be free from pests and vermin.

The eligible dwelling where the temporary protection beneficiary is being accommodated must have a toilet, with a dedicated wash hand basin adjacent, and a bath or shower. These facilities must:

The room(s) containing the toilet and / or fixed bath or shower must be in a room separated from the other rooms in the house by a wall and door, and must contain adequate ventilation.

The dwelling must have adequate facilities for the hygienic storage, preparation and cooking of food. There must be:

All of these facilities must be maintained in a safe condition and in good working order and good repair.

In multi-unit buildings, a flat or apartment must have a notice displayed, containing the following information:

- the location of all relevant escape routes from the building

- the location of fire alarm call points (break glass units) and fire alarm control panel

- the location of firefighting equipment in the building

If the answer is NO to any of the above questions, it is likely that the accommodation does not comply with the accommodation standards set out under SI 377 2022 in relation to applications made under the Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme.

The required works should be undertaken in order to bring the accommodation up to the required standard before an application is submitted under the Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme.

*Also referred to under the legislative title of the Financial Contribution for Hosting Temporary Protection Beneficiaries Scheme.

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