Repair and Leasing Scheme

Expressions of interest are sought from owners of vacant houses for the Repair and Leasing Scheme.

What is the Repair and Leasing Scheme? 

A key component of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is a new initiative, the Repair and Leasing Scheme, which targets the delivery of social housing and also ensures that existing housing stock is used to the maximum degree possible.

The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) is intended to target these properties as a potential source of social housing and also provides the property owner with an income stream that may be otherwise unavailable.

The basis of the scheme is that repair and improvement works to suitable vacant properties are funded to bring them up to the standard for rented accommodation and the cost of the works is then deducted from lease payments over an agreed lease term.

Requirements of the scheme

There are a number of requirements in relation to the scheme:

• The property has to be vacant for at least 1 year.
• There has to be a social housing demand for the property.
• The property has to be assessed as being viable to provide accommodation, with some improvement works.
• The Council will identify the works required to bring the dwelling to the required standard.
• The Council (or Approved Housing Body (AHB)) will provide initial funding for the cost of the works. The maximum cost of repairs allowable under the Scheme is €40,000.
• The property is leased to the Council (or AHB), who will manage and maintain the property during the lease period.
• The minimum lease term is 10 years, 15 years or 20 years depending on the cost of the upgrade works.
• The lease payments are based on the current market rental rates in the property location, less 20% to cover vacant periods and administration/management.
• The cost of the improvement works will be recouped to the County Council (or AHB) via an offset on the lease payments over a period of time.
• Properties in all areas will be considered, subject to social housing demand.

If you wish to submit an Expression of Interest, please complete the Application Form 

For further information check out these Frequently Asked Questions or e-mail info@donegalcoco.ie