Housing

Illustration of an apartment building and playground equipment on the grounds.

Refugees can receive guidance on main ways to find housing in the general rental market at the Directorate of Labor and the staff of local Centers. Information about the right to housing benefits to subsidize rent is also provided.

Website of Multicultural Information Center

Guarantee certificate

Tenants who receive financial aid can apply for a guarantee certificate from Reykjavík City. Reykjavík City thus guarantees the payment of a deposit to landlords if tenants fail to meet their contractual obligations as per officially registered lease agreements, or an agreement recorded in the Housing and Construction Authority's property register. You can apply for a guarantee declaration at your local Center.

Support for household item purchases

Refugees receiving financial assistance in Reykjavík may be eligible for support to purchase necessary household items and appliances. This support is for those without possessions who are setting up a home. It is granted only once.

Are you eligible for housing benefits?

State housing benefits are monthly payments designed to help those renting residential housing. Applications for them should be made at the Housing and Construction Authority (HMS). Applicants and other household members need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for housing benefit payments. You can check your eligibility with the housing benefits calculator.

Conditions for eligibility for housing benefit payments Housing benefits calculator
Illustration of two houses.

Special housing aid

Special housing aid is financial assistance from Reykjavík City to families and individuals for rent payments. Only those entitled to housing benefits from the Housing and Construction Authoritymay qualify for this special housing aid. You can check what amount you may be entitled to with the special housing aid calculator, but note that to be eligible for special housing aid, certain conditions must be met.