Housing help after separation in Ireland

If you're worried about housing after a separation, there are organisations ready to help you. One Family supports one-parent families and can offer advice through their askonefamily helpline, and they also provide counselling and courses that might help you think things through. If you're at risk of homelessness or need housing support, Focus Ireland, Simon Communities of Ireland, and Peter McVerry Trust all offer services and advice for people in housing difficulty.

If you're experiencing domestic abuse, Women's Aid Ireland has a 24-hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 and can provide support. Barnardos Ireland also offers family support services if you have children and want help navigating this time.

In Ireland your first port of call is your local authority; it is responsible for homeless services in its area, and Dublin and Cork have dedicated teams. Separation itself does not strip you of rights to the family home, and you count as homeless in more situations than many people realise. Ask early, and ask in writing if you can.

• Your local authority is the route to emergency accommodation and homeless supports; it can tell you exactly what is available where you live (citizensinformation.ie).
• One spouse or civil partner cannot sell, mortgage, lease or transfer the family or shared home without the other's agreement, even if the home is in one name only; you can also register notice of your interest with Tailte Éireann free of charge (citizensinformation.ie).
• You may be considered homeless even with a roof over your head, for example if you are staying with friends or family because you have nowhere else you can reasonably live (citizensinformation.ie).
• A common surprise: the consent protection above does not cover cohabiting couples. If you were never married or in a civil partnership, the home belongs to whoever holds the legal title (citizensinformation.ie).
• If you qualify, the Homeless HAP scheme offers extra flexibility to help homeless households rent privately while the local authority pays the landlord directly (citizensinformation.ie).

Checked August 2026 against citizensinformation.ie.

If your living situation is uncertain, get advice early. You may have more options and rights than you expect.

• If you are at risk of losing your home, ask your local authority about homelessness help; they have duties towards families with children.
• You may have a right to stay in the family home for now, even if it is not in your name, so get advice before you leave.
• Check what help with housing costs you can claim.
• Free advice services can help with rent arrears, deposits and applying for social housing.