Preliminary Analysis of Part 2 of the Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026

The Housing and Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026 was published on 3 June 2026.

Part 2 of the Bill proposes to introduce strict new conditions for access to social housing supports which would require people seeking social housing to demonstrate that they are legally resident in the State and that they satisfy a “habitual residence” test. Part 2 of the 2026 Bill also proposes to create a new system of “social housing appeals” for certain decisions relating to entitlement to social housing supports. The Department of Housing has stated that the Government amendments will be introduced will be introduced at Committee Stage which provide for the creation legal residence and habitual residence conditions for access to emergency homelessness accommodation.
FLAC is very concerned about the present contents of the Bill and the potential additions to it. We are also alarmed at the process which is being followed in advancing the Bill which is foreclosing opportunities for debate and consideration of this very consequential Bill.