Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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660. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if funding is available to fund or part fund the renovation of buildings that would make six apartments available for social housing leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52941/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) has been developed to assist private property owners and local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in certain vacant properties across Ireland. The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for rental property. Subject to the suitability of the property for social housing, and the agreement of the property owner, the cost of the necessary repairs will be met upfront by the local authority or an Approved Housing Body (AHB). This allows for the property owner to sign-up to a lease arrangement for a length that is linked to the value of the repairs, subject to a minimum of 5 years. The value of the repairs will then be offset incrementally against the agreed rental payment over a defined period within the lease.

A property owner can either choose to arrange for a contractor to carry out the repairs themselves, or the local authority or AHB can arrange this instead. Property owners will not be required to take on landlord responsibilities and the local authority or AHB will have on-going management and maintenance responsibilities in respect of the properties.

The local authority will determine the eligibility for the scheme, having regard to the location and the suitability of the property for social housing and also taking into consideration the extent of the repairs that may be required. The maximum costs of repairs allowable under this initiative is €40,000 (€50,000 for former bedsits) and the property must be vacant for a period of not less than 12 months.

RLS provides significant benefits to the property owner, including guaranteed rent on a property that hasn't been generating income; no loss of rent during vacant periods and no need to collect rent or find new tenants. Property owners who wish to find out more about the Repair and Leasing Scheme should contact their local authority or go to .