Housing · Mortgage Arrears
Mortgage to Rent Scheme Ireland 2026
If you are in serious mortgage arrears and at risk of losing your home, the Mortgage to Rent scheme lets you transfer ownership to a housing body — clearing your debt — while you stay in the property as a social housing tenant paying income-based rent.
MORTGAGE TO RENT — AT A GLANCE
| What happens to ownership | Transferred to approved housing body or local authority |
| What happens to your mortgage debt | Cleared by the new owner (the housing body) |
| Your status after transfer | Social housing tenant in your own home |
| Rent payable | Means-tested (typically 10–15% of net household income) |
| Who initiates | Lender (after MARP) or you directly via Housing Agency |
| Property size limit | Must match social housing guidelines for household size |
| Right to buy back | Right of first refusal in some cases if property is ever sold |
How the Mortgage to Rent process works
- Step 1: Your lender assesses your mortgage as unsustainable under the MARP process
- Step 2: Lender (or you) refers the case to the Housing Agency for an MTR assessment
- Step 3: Your income is assessed for social housing eligibility
- Step 4: Property is valued independently
- Step 5: An approved housing body (AHB) or local authority purchases the property from the lender at the assessed value
- Step 6: Your mortgage is discharged — the housing body is now the owner
- Step 7: You sign a tenancy agreement and begin paying means-tested rent
Property size guidelines
To qualify, the property must not be oversized relative to your household. Social housing size guidelines are based on household composition:
| Household size | Maximum bedrooms qualifying |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 2 bedrooms |
| 2 adults | 2–3 bedrooms |
| Family with 1–2 children | 3 bedrooms |
| Larger families | 4+ bedrooms (case-by-case) |
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in my home indefinitely under Mortgage to Rent?
Yes, as long as you meet your tenancy obligations — paying rent, not subletting, keeping the property in good condition. Tenancies under MTR are typically tenancies of indefinite duration once the initial period passes. You have the same rights as any secure social housing tenant.
What happens if my income changes after joining MTR?
Your rent is reviewed periodically and adjusted based on your current income. If your income rises, your rent will increase (but remain proportional). If it falls, rent falls too. You must report significant income changes to the local authority.
Will I be on the social housing list after transferring?
You are allocated social housing within the MTR property — you are not on the general housing list for a different property. You remain a tenant of that specific property.
Can my lender force me into Mortgage to Rent?
No. MTR is a voluntary scheme. Your lender cannot transfer your home without your consent. However, the alternative to agreeing to MTR may be repossession proceedings — which is why MTR is often the better option for qualifying households.
Does MTR affect my credit record?
The mortgage arrears already on your credit record (through the Central Credit Register) are a matter of prior history. The MTR transfer itself clears the debt, which is positive. You will not have a mortgage going forward, so your ability to borrow in the future will depend on your overall credit history and circumstances at that time.
Is there a cut-off on how much the property can be worth?
The housing body purchases the property at its current market value, assessed independently. There is no formal maximum value limit set nationally, but properties significantly above local norms may present challenges in finding a housing body willing to purchase. Speak to the Housing Agency for guidance on your area.
This page reflects the Mortgage to Rent scheme as operated in 2026. Individual eligibility depends on lender assessment, housing body availability, and local authority criteria.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.