Tenancy of Local Authority house

Tenants of rented Council dwellings pay rent which is calculated based on the Housing Differential Rent Scheme. This means that the rent is based on ability to pay, so if income is low, rent will be low; and if income increases, so will the rent. The income of any other members of the household will be added to the rent calculation and there may be deductions for any children in the family.

At the Annual Rent Assessment, each tenant is requested to submit up-to-date details of their income to enable their rent to be re-assessed. Failure to comply with this Assessment means that the tenant is placed on the maximum weekly rent. If the circumstances or make-up of a household change at any time during the year, the tenant must notify the Housing Unit so that any required adjustments to rent can be made. Failure to keep rent payments up-to-date may result in legal action and ultimately, eviction from the dwelling. Rent may be paid by any of the following methods:

- by Standing Order

- by Direct Debit

- by Household Budget

- to the Revenue Collector

- at the Income Section of Galway County Council Headquarters

Responsibility for the maintenance of rented Council dwellings is shared between the Council and the Tenant. Generally, the Council is responsible for maintenance of the structure of the house, while the tenant is responsible for all internal fixtures, fittings and materials. Prior to reporting maintenance issues, the Tenant is advised to consult the full listing of the breakdown of maintenance responsibilities provided in the Tenants Handbook. Maintenance issues reported to the Council are categorised as emergency or routine and are prioritised for action on this basis.

Where a tenant has been in their rented dwelling for at least 2 years, and subject to satisfying other eligibility conditions, they may apply for a transfer from their current dwelling. There are strict criteria set down in the Scheme of Letting Priorities regarding eligibility for a transfer – generally, a tenant will only be eligible if applying on the grounds of over-crowding, down-sizing, or medical/compassionate grounds. Other conditions must be met, such as the tenant having a clear rent account, and good tenancy record. A tenant may apply by requesting an application form from the Housing Unit, which will then be assessed by the Housing Liaison Officer and Housing Officer, and a decision notified in writing.