Affordable Rent with Maple & May

Published 25 Aug 2026

Great news for renters across Northern Ireland! 

Maple & May have brought a new housing initiative to Northern Ireland, offering quality homes at rents set at least 20% below local market rates.

Affordable Rent homes are a practical, response to real housing pressures, offering quality homes at rents that are genuinely affordable. Whether you're starting out, saving up or just looking for a great place to live, Maple & May offer quality homes across NI that are worth exploring. 

These Affordable Rent homes are designed to help those struggling with the cost of private rentals, as well as others saving towards home ownership.

FAQs

What is Affordable Rent?
Affordable Rent is a new private rental option for Northern Ireland, offering quality homes to eligible lower and moderate income households with rents set at least 20% below local market rates. Successful tenants will benefit from greater security through longer tenancy terms of up to 5 years.

What is the difference between Affordable Rent and Private Rent?
Affordable rent is a form of private rent which is offered at a discount of at least 20% below private market rates and is available to lower and moderate income households who meet the eligibility criteria. Other forms of private rent often reflect the open market rate, with no cap on what a landlord can charge.

Are Affordable Rent Tenancies a private or social tenancy?
Affordable Rent tenancies are a form of private rented tenancy. That means all of the rights and obligations in place in respect of any private tenancy apply to Affordable Rent tenancies.

What rent will I pay?
All affordable rents are set at a minimum of 20% below the market rents for similar property types in the area where the scheme is located.

How much is the deposit?
The deposit is the equivalent to one month’s rent. This can be paid in instalments over a period of up to six months in exceptional circumstances.

Are pets allowed?
Yes, however written permission from is required before keeping any pet at the property. A suitable pet insurance policy is required before your pet moves in. The policy needs to cover any damage your pet causes to the property, and Maple and May must be named on the policy as an interested party. You'll need to provide us with proof of the policy before we can give permission for your pet to live with you, and you'll need to keep that cover in place for as long as your pet remains in the property.

Are the homes furnished?
The homes are unfurnished. However, they come fully decorated throughout, with floor coverings, blinds, and white goods.

Can anyone apply for an affordable rent home?
Yes, applications are open to any household that meets the eligibility, affordability and occupancy criteria.