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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 13, 2023

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor Patrick Pearse Holohan

What list of common restrictions/problems cause/prevent a sale of a private house with a sitting tenant to SDCC for social housing ?

REPLY:

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.

Issues that may prevent acquisition of the property usually relate to the condition of the property and projected costs to bring the property up to required housing standards with a general requirement for a minimum D BER rating and suitable heating systems to be installed.  In addition, where extension works/modifications have been carried out, they must be compliant with relevant planning requirements and the property must also at meet the housing need of the household for which it is being acquired.

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.