Pre-95 | Protected Leases
Introduction to the Service
Through legislative amendments enacted in 2021, owners of properties leased before 1st June 1995 may file a request with the Rent Regulation Board to:
- Verify whether the tenant exceeds the established means-testing criteria, in which case the tenant is evicted; and,
- If the tenant does not exceed the criteria, the property owner obtains an increase in the rent paid, up to 2% of the property value.
Legal Services
The Housing Authority offers free legal aid to tenants facing court cases in front of the Rent Regulation Board. This includes the services of a lawyer to assist them during the case, free of charge. The same service is also available for court cases in the Civil Hall (Constitutional Jurisdiction), where the owner seeks the nullification of the protection granted by the legislation.
Rent Subsidy Scheme
The Pre-1995 Rent Subsidy Scheme provides financial assistance of up to €10,000 to tenants living in properties leased before 1st June 1995. This scheme ensures more affordable rents and helps tenants remain in their homes.
The Housing Authority provides the following subsidies to eligible tenants:
- For elderly tenants: The subsidy covers the entire difference between the previous rent and the new rent established by the Rent Regulation Board.
- For working tenants: The subsidy covers the difference between 25% of their income and the new rent established by the Rent Regulation Board.
>65Y
Subsidy is paid in full if criteria are met
€10k
Subsidy on rent given (depends on rent establised by court)
25%
Of income used for rent for non-pensioners
Alternative Accommodation
Rent subsidy is capped at €10,000 in both cases. Tenants who live in high-value properties and cannot afford to pay the difference between the maximum subsidy and the new rent are provided with alternative accommodation in a property owned or administered by the Government.