Repair and Leasing Scheme

Last verified October 2026 against the official source ↗.

What is the Repair and Leasing Scheme?

The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) is a unique Irish government programme that addresses both vacant housing and social housing demand simultaneously. Under the scheme, your local authority (or an approved housing body) agrees to fund essential repair works on your vacant property. In return, you lease the property to the local authority for social housing use for an agreed period — typically 10–25 years.

The repair costs are recouped by the local authority from your rental income over time. Once fully repaid, you receive the full rental income for the remainder of the lease term.

How much is available?

• Repair funding: up to €80,000 per property (in some cases higher for apartments)
• The repair cost is treated as an advance against future rental income, not a grant — but you are never out of pocket for the repairs
• Rental income is typically 80–85% of the open market rent

Who is eligible?

• You must own a vacant residential property
• The property must need repairs to bring it up to minimum habitation standards
• The property must be suitable for use as social housing (size, location, local authority requirements)
• You must be willing to lease the property to the local authority for a minimum of 10 years

What works are covered?

Eligible repair works are those needed to bring the property to a lettable standard for social housing:

• Structural repairs (roof, walls, floors)
• Plumbing and electrical upgrades
• Heating system installation or upgrade
• Fire safety compliance
• Windows and doors
• Insulation and energy efficiency improvements
• Kitchen and bathroom fit-out

What are the lease terms?

Lease terms are negotiated with your local authority and typically run for 10–25 years. During the lease:

• The local authority is responsible for finding and managing the tenant
• You receive rent payments (minus repair cost repayment initially)
• The local authority is responsible for maintenance during the lease
• At the end of the lease, the property returns to you in good condition

How to apply

1. Contact your local authority's housing department to express interest
2. An officer will assess the property's suitability and condition
3. A schedule of works and cost estimate is agreed
4. Legal agreements are drawn up (lease agreement and repair agreement)
5. Works are completed (managed by the local authority or approved body)
6. Tenant allocated and lease commences

Common reasons for rejection

• Property isn't vacant, or isn't suitable for social housing (size, condition, or location the authority can't let).
• Owner unwilling to commit to the minimum lease term (typically 10+ years).
• Repairs exceed what's recoverable from the agreed rent over the lease.
• Title or planning issues preventing a clean lease agreement.
• Low demand for social housing in that specific area.

← Back to all grants