costrentalradar.ie

Cost rental income limits and eligibility calculator

The cost rental income limit is €66,000 net household income for a home in Dublin and €59,000 net anywhere else. Enter gross income for each adult and we work out net using 2026 tax bands, credits, USC and PRSI, then test it against the limit, the 35% rent rule and the household-size rule.

Where is the home?

Limit: €66,000 net in Dublin, €59,000 elsewhere.

Adult 1

Should be under 35% of net income.

The rules in plain terms

How we calculate net income

Income tax at 20% up to the 2026 standard rate band (€44,000 single, €48,000 lone parent, €53,000 joint plus up to €35,000 for a second earner) and 40% above, minus the personal, PAYE or earned-income (€2,000 each) and single-person-child-carer credits. USC at 0.5% / 2% / 3% / 8% with the €13,000 exemption, the 2% band up to €28,700. PRSI class A at 4.35% above €352 a week, class S at 4.35% with the €650 minimum. Pension contributions are taken off before tax and off net income. Social welfare is counted in full with no deductions. Budget 2027 (6 October 2026) raised the band by €2,500 and the main credits by €125 from 1 January 2027, subject to the Finance Bill; the calculator moves to the 2027 figures on 1 January 2027. Last checked against Revenue and gov.ie on 2026-10-11.

Sources

Questions people ask

What counts as net income for cost rental?

Gross income of every household member aged 18 or over, minus income tax, USC, PRSI and pension contributions. Child Benefit and Fuel Allowance are not counted. Other regular income (maintenance, most social welfare payments) counts at face value because nothing is deducted from it.

Does my partner’s income count if they are not on the application?

Everyone who will live in the home must be on the application, and everyone aged 18 or over is income-assessed, including adult children. Leaving someone off is treated as a false declaration.

What if I am slightly over the limit?

The limits are hard caps. Pension contributions reduce net income, so a borderline household with room to raise a pension contribution can legitimately come in under. Providers look at the most recent tax year (Employment Detail Summary and Statement of Liability) plus your current payslips.

Is the 35% rent rule strict?

Guidance says no more than 35% of net household income. Some providers accept a higher share if you can prove two years paying at least that much rent with no arrears. Treat above 35% as borderline.

Which home size can I apply for?

One-bed: single person or couple. Two-bed: two adults, or a couple or lone parent with one or more children. Three-bed: three adults, or a family with two or more children. Four-bed: four adults, or a family with three or more children. Applying for the wrong size is an automatic rejection.