New thresholds have come into effect for affordable cost-rental limits based on income.
The new limits will see those with net household income of €66,000 or less eligible for cost-rental housing in Dublin.
In the rest of the country the limit is €59,000. This replaces the former national net income limit of €53,000.
The new limits were announced as part of the Government's Secure Tenancies and Affordable Rent (STAR) Investment Scheme.
The new thresholds will apply across the entire cost-rental sector including approved housing bodies, local authorities and any cost-rental landlord.
'Not driven by profit'
The Government has said the increased thresholds recognise "that prevailing rents in the private market have increased significantly in recent years and a large cohort of private renters are experiencing severe affordability challenges, particularly in Dublin."
Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said more families will be able to use the scheme.
"The changes we are making to the income eligibility limits are in recognition of the fact that significant inflation, interest rates and prevailing rents in the private market have all increased," he said.
"These changes will result in more families and individuals being able to avail of cost-rental.
"Cost-rental is a new form of housing tenure in Ireland. It's State backed and the tenancies are long-term, for a minimum of 40 years.
"Tenants are charged an amount that covers the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining a home only - which means it’s not driven by profit and is more affordable for the tenant".
He added that the Government is focussed on increasing the number of cost-rental homes "which will ultimately have a positive impact on the overall rental market."
