Government tightens tenant in situ scheme with priority given to families, elderly and disabled

New restrictions on the tenant in situ scheme will prioritize vulnerable groups, ensuring housing security for families and at-risk individuals

The Government confirmed on Tuesday that new mandatory eligibility criteria would be introduced for the scheme.

New restrictions are being introduced on the tenant in situ scheme, with local authorities asked to prioritise families with children, older people, and people with disabilities at risk of homelessness.

The Government has formally extended out the scheme for a further year, with housing minister James Browne confirming a further €265m would be allocated this year to allow for properties to be bought by local councils.

Previously, councils were permitted to buy any property where a tenant was facing eviction due to a landlord selling the property, provided they were in receipt of housing supports like HAP or RAS.

However, the Government confirmed on Tuesday that new mandatory eligibility criteria would be introduced for the scheme.

Mr Browne said that dealing with homelessness was a “top priority” and that housing acquisitions had proven to be effective in cases where tenants were at risk of losing their homes.

“With the funding announced today, we will be targeting priority needs such as families and children, older people, persons with a disability and where the opportunities exist turning vacant properties into viable homes,” Mr Browne said.

The change to eligibility criteria means that local authorities and approved housing bodies will be asked to prioritise buying houses for families with children, older people, or people with disabilities.

This will only apply in cases where a landlord has issued a no-fault eviction notice with the intent to sell the property.

The Department of Housing is now due to circulate the individual funding allocations to local authorities.

The Government has been under pressure in recent weeks to provide funding for the scheme, with many local authorities across the country opting to pause further acquisitions until new targets were set.

This included 107 properties awaiting purchase by Limerick City and County Council, with the local authority confirming that they were “on hold.” 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin had previously flagged that the scheme was due to become more restricted, saying that discussions were ongoing between the Department of Public Expenditure and Department of Housing.