Dozens of people in Dublin were mistakenly informed that they had successfully secured cost-rental apartments through Respond Housing Agency, sparking anger and frustration among affected applicants.
A woman who received the erroneous email told The Journal, “They have played with my life and emotions. It’s diabolical.” She had believed she and her partner had been offered a one-bedroom apartment at Lisieux Hall, Dublin 18.
Lottery Mishap Sparks Emotional Turmoil
Respond Housing Agency provides lower-than-average rents for households earning under €59,000 per year (€66,000 in Dublin) who are not receiving social housing support.
The agency confirmed that 61 applicants received an email incorrectly notifying them that they had been selected in the cost-rental lottery.
The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had been overjoyed at the prospect of leaving a shared rental she has lived in for five years. Her partner, in a similar situation, had also begun preparing to move.
“We saw the scheme and thought, ‘Great, the government is finally doing something for people in our situation,’” she said.
The couple had been told the apartment would cost €1,365 per month. The development, supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Housing Finance Agency, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, offered 67 units ranging from €1,183 for studios to €1,591 for three-bed apartments.
In the initial email, Respond’s cost-rental team congratulated applicants for being selected in the lottery and outlined the next steps for document verification and tenancy confirmation.
After receiving the notification, her partner ended his current lease and the couple began preparing paperwork and furniture for the new home.
However, more than 24 hours later, Respond sent a follow-up email acknowledging the error, explaining that the lottery had been mistakenly run twice.
A spokesperson said the system error caused two separate groups to be told they had secured accommodation, when in fact only the first group selected in the lottery was valid.
“This second lottery is invalid and hence disregarded,” Respond stated. Correction emails were sent on November 6, 2025, placing those not chosen on a waiting list.
Respond Housing Explains System Glitch
Respond said it is reviewing its lottery process with the service provider to prevent future mistakes, and apologised for the confusion and distress caused to applicants.
The woman affected expressed her disappointment, saying, “I did cry after. I rang [Respond] and said you’re messing with people’s lives and emotions.”
Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) like Respond operate as independent, non-profit organisations funded by the State to provide affordable housing for those unable to access private rentals or purchase homes.
Ireland has over 260 registered AHBs, collectively offering more than 50,000 homes, though a small number, including Respond, manage the majority of these properties.
AHBs’ Role in Ireland’s Housing Sector
The AHBs are regulated by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority, and Respond was recently judged as “compliant with improvements” in its latest inspection.
Funding for AHB developments comes from a mix of State contributions via local authorities and private finance, with over €200 million allocated under Budget 2026. Some also benefit from VAT reductions introduced for property developers.
Allocation systems differ among AHBs: some operate through local authorities, while others manage nominations independently. The Local Government Sector issued a code of practice in 2022 to improve allocation efficiency and reduce delays.
The lottery mishap underscores the high demand for affordable housing in Dublin and the emotional toll errors can have on applicants amid the ongoing housing crisis.
