COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 13, 2023

QUESTION NO 11

QUESTION: Councillor Patrick Pearse Holohan

What is the process for a landlord with sitting tenant, to sell their property to the council ?

REPLY:

Any landlord, with a tenant currently in-situ where a valid notice of termination has issued in respect of that tenancy, who is interested in selling a property to the Council should, in the first instance, email housingeoi@sdublincoco.ie for submitting an 'Expression of Interest' form to the Housing Department.

While a very flexible approach is being taken to potential acquisitions of properties with tenants in-situ in the context of current circumstances, properties are subject to appropriate due diligence and checks before any commitment is made to acquire them.  These include ensuring a valid notice of termination/notice to quit has been served and assessment of the current tenant's housing need, time on list, rent account and estate management record.  In addition, properties are also surveyed and inspected to ascertain their current condition, potential costs of upgrade works required and compliance with planning and development regulations.  A valuation is then undertaken by the Council's Valuers prior to any negotiation/agreement on sale price with purchases being prioritised based on the date the notice is due to take effect.

Where an existing tenant is awaiting confirmation on a decision by the Council to purchase the property, they should continue to use the our Choice Based Letting to express interest in available properties and we will also explore possible appropriate alternative accommodation options to prevent the risk of homelessness.

Members will be aware that a significant volume of such expressions of interest have recently been received and, with the previous shift in policy away from acquisitions of second-hand properties, it is taking time to re-establish resources and processes in this work area to meet this surge in activity so, in many cases, it is taking considerable time before confirmation of purchases can issue.