The Repair and Leasing scheme is an option for owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to rental standards.
The scheme provides a loan of up to €80,000 per unit (including VAT) for any works necessary to bring the property up to the required standard. In return the property owner agrees to lease the property to the local authority or an approved housing body (AHB) for 5 to 25 years.
The loan is repaid to the local authority as a reduction in the lease payment over an agreed term.
All properties brought back into use under the scheme must be assessed by the local authority as being required for social housing.
For additional information on the Repair and Leasing Scheme please see the documents below.
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR PROPERTIES UNDER THE REPAIR AND LEASE SCHEME.
Carlow County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from property owners for properties that have been vacant for at least one year and which require repairs to bring the property to the required standard for rented properties.
If a property requires repairs to bring it up to standard for letting, Carlow County Council will pay for this repair work up-front in return for the property being made available for social housing for a minimum period of 5 years.
There are a number of requirements in relation to the scheme:
- the property has to be vacant for at least 12 months prior to submission: proof of vacancy will be required;
- there has to be a social housing demand for the property;
- the property has to be assessed as being viable to provide social housing.
If the property meets these requirements, it will be inspected by local authority staff who will identify the works that are required to bring the house up to the required standard.
The maximum cost of repairs under the scheme is €80,000 (inc VAT) per Unit. The cost of the repairs will be fully offset against the lease income due to the owner, over the period of the lease agreement.
Benefits of RLS to the property owner include -
- Guaranteed rent on a property that has not been generating an income;
- Upgrade of property that might otherwise become derelict;
- Avoid losing rent during vacant periods;
- No need to collect rent or finding a new tenant;
- Avoid advertising costs;
- Give back to the community through renovation of vacant property and providing much needed housing.
The Expression of Interest form can be downloaded below.
Expressions of Interest must be returned clearly marked Repair and Lease Scheme to capitalhousing@carlowcoco.ie
Please note that Carlow County Council is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
Completed Expression of Interest form can be submitted up to and including 31st August 2025.
Fiona O’Neill
A/Director of Services
27th May 2025
For more information, please email capitalhousing@carlowcoco.ie or if you wish to apply to have your property considered for the scheme please complete the form below: