Repair and Leasing Scheme
As part of the Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS), the local authority may provide an interest-free loan to owners of vacant residential properties to help them bring them up to private letting standards.
Under this scheme the local authority leases the property from the owner for at least 5 years and makes it available for social housing after the repairs are complete. The owner's loan repayments are deducted from the lease payments.
How much is available?
The local authority may loan up €60,000 to property owners as part of this scheme. Not all properties will need this level of investment to bring them back up to private letting standard, so the actual amount of loan may be less.
What kind of properties are suitable?
To be suitable for this scheme the property must have been vacant for at least 12 months, and it must be in an area where there is demand for social housing. Before agreeing the loan the local authority will inspect the property and assess if the property is viable for social housing.
What can the loan be used for?
Examples of eligible works include painting and decorating, new flooring, insulation, upgrading of windows and doors.
How do I apply?
If you have a vacant property that you believe would be suitable for this scheme contact your local authority and let them know that you are interested. If the property meets the local authority's criteria, they will arrange a site inspection before proceeding.