Repair and lease scheme delivers first homes for Mayo families

MAYO County Council has signed contracts for seven units providing new homes for families and individuals under the repair and leasing scheme.

As part of the implementation of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, €140 million has been allocated across Ireland towards the cost of funding the necessary repairs to properties to 2021.

The repair and leasing scheme is one of the key components of the plan and targets vacant properties as a possible source of social housing and provides property owners with an income stream that may be otherwise unavailable.

It also provides repair and improvement works to bring such properties up to the standard for rented accommodation, funded by the local authority. The cost of the works is then deducted from rent/lease payments over an agreed lease term of at least 10 years.

For those interested, and are interested in leasing their property to Mayo County Council, there are a realm of benefits for the property owner: the property will be upgraded at no capital outlay from their own resources; they will secure guaranteed rent, with no loss of rent during vacant periods; Mayo County Council will look after the collection of rent from tenants also find new tenants if required and look after the advertising costs for the same; the property owner also has no responsibility for repair or maintenance during the leased period.

 

There are some key requirements in order for homeowners to apply for the scheme:

The house must be vacant for at least one year.

There must be a social housing demand for the property.

The property has to be assessed as being viable to provide accommodation.

The maximum funding available is €40,000, inclusive of VAT.

Where the property is a former bedsit being brought into line with the standards for rented houses, funding of up to €50,000, inclusive of VAT, is available.

Where a property requires repairs to bring it up to the standard for required for rented properties, the RLS will pay for the repairs up-front in return for the property being made available to be used as social housing for a period of at least five years under either a direct lease or rental availability arrangement with the local authority.

The scope and cost of the works are agreed between the owner and the council.

The initiative is not available for private renting.

To apply for the repair and leasing scheme, download the application form at http://www.mayococo.ie/en/Services/Housing/RepairLeasingScheme/.

For further information, contact Mayo County Council via Gerri Joyce (094 9052004) or Mary Bergin (094 9052009).

 

* Pictured at the recent first signing of a repair and leasing scheme contract between Mayo County Council and property owner Micheál Gilmore were, at back , from left: Maureen Graven, ASO, Claremorris Municipal District, Tom Gilligan, director of services, Mayo County Council, Councillor Gerry Ginty, chairperson of the housing SPC, Gerri Joyce, SSO (repair and leasing administrator), Mayo County Council, and Mary Walsh, ASO, Claremorris Municipal District. At front: Michael McGuigan and Damien Fahey, property owners, Councillor Richard Finn and Micheál Gilmore, property owner.