New reports claims HAP recipients face serious challenges in securing properties to rent locally

A new report has found that there are currently no properties to rent HAP recipients in Sligo town or County Leitrim.  The number of properties available to rent for HAP recipients has fallen once again.  Simon's latest Locked Out of the Market report found out of 1,119 properties in 16 areas across the country, only 41 were available for those on the Housing Assistance Payment scheme.  That's down 11 per cent since December and the charity says the HAP system as it currently stands is not fit for purpose.  Ber Grogan from Simon says areas such as Leitrim and Sligo Town were among 10 of 16 study areas that had no properties available to rent under HAP scheme.