Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing

Information

This scheme enables local authorities in Ireland to improve or extend privately owned houses as an alternative to providing local authority housing. Carrying out the work must satisfy your housing need and result in your removal from the housing waiting list.

It is aimed at:

• Owner-occupiers whose homes are overcrowded or sub-standard and who cannot afford to carry out improvements and
• Local authority tenants or tenant purchasers or housing association tenants who want to move into a home owned by a relative but cannot because the home is sub-standard or too small.

If you qualify, the local authority will carry out works to get rid of defects in the home or to provide extra bedrooms. The local authority will pay the full costs of the works carried out and you will then pay a charge to the local authority for a maximum of 15 years. If during the 15 year period, you have paid an amount equal to the total cost of the works, the charge will stop.

The charge will be worked out in a similar way to the differential rent scheme local authority rents so it is based on your ability to pay.