Become an Approved Housing Body

Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are independent, not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay rent or buy their own homes; or for particular groups, such as older people or homeless people.

AHBs also include housing co-operatives, which are controlled by their members/tenants who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.

From early 2022, the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) will accept applications to register from new organisations that meet the eligibility criteria. View further information on the AHBRA

Applications to the Department for approved status for new bodies which have no units, is being suspended from 7 May 2021.

In certain circumstances, new applications may be facilitated for bodies which already have units, including existing AHBs who wish to merge and create a new legal entity. If you think that your organisation may qualify under these circumstances and wish to discuss your application, please contact:

Section 6 (6) (e) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 empowers the Minister to withdraw approved status.

AHBs wishing to apply to the Minister to rescind their status should note the following considerations:

• if your organisation has property with active social housing tenancies or is in receipt of assistance from a local authority in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 then it will not be possible to rescind approved status until such time as these properties are transferred to an appropriate body. Please contact the Department if you require further information in this regard
• if approved status is rescinded, then the organisation will no longer be eligible for assistance in accordance with Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992
• it is important to note that if status is rescinded, the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 allows for an organisation to apply for AHB status, should the need arise, in the future, subject to eligibility criteria.

If you wish to apply to rescind AHB status please complete the application form and return it to