Wicklow County Council tenants are raising concerns about changes to their weekly rents following a county-wide rent review, with the new scheme due to come into effect next month.
Letters dated September 15th have been issued to tenants covered by the council’s Differential Rent Scheme, informing them of the rent that will apply under the new system. The new scheme will come into effect on 3rd October 2026.
For some households, the change is expected to mean a higher weekly rent, prompting concerns about the effect on household budgets. The rent review has been taking place since September 2025 and brings together the two Differential Rent Schemes previously operated in Wicklow, one covering the Bray Municipal District and another covering the remainder of the county.
Rent linked to household income
Under the new scheme, rent is calculated according to assessable household income, rather than the size of the council property.
The scheme includes income from employment, self-employment, social welfare payments and pensions when calculating assessable income, with certain payments and allowances excluded.
The approved scheme sets a minimum rent of €30 per week and provides allowances relating to dependent children and household members aged 66 or over.
There is also provision for the council to accept a lower rent for a specified period where paying the calculated rent would, in the council’s view, cause hardship.
Concerns from tenants
The changes have generated discussion among council tenants, with concerns being raised about how increased weekly payments could affect household finances.
For households already managing food, energy, transport and other everyday costs, even a relatively modest weekly increase can represent a noticeable additional expense over the course of a year.
The scale of the change will vary from household to household because the new rent is linked to individual circumstances and assessable income.
Wicklow County Council has said tenants whose circumstances or income have changed should contact the council so that their rent can be reviewed.
Council says additional income will remain within housing
The council’s new scheme is intended to provide a single income-related approach to calculating rents across the county. The council has also indicated that rental income forms part of its Housing Budget, which funds areas including the management, maintenance and repair of council housing.
For tenants, however, the immediate concern is likely to be how the new weekly figure shown on their letter will affect their own household budget. The council has provided a dedicated email for council tenants with queries about the current review:
Tenants can also contact Wicklow County Council on 0404 20100.
