Local authorities nationwide are appealing to those with unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine.
The call is part of a new government initiative, Offer of a Home Programme, led by local authorities, to use unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrainian people and families.
While rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available (disregarded for means-tested grants/payments) from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to Ukrainians.
This new payment rate represents a doubling from the previous and will apply from December 1st, 2022.
Programme
Under a new programme, councils will:
- Take offers of houses, apartments, or holiday homes for temporary accommodation;
- Liaise with owners to assess suitability;
- Arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.
The statement adds that in excess of 60,000 people have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine seeking safety and the vast majority need accommodation.
This is a call for stand-alone properties not occupied by others for independent living.
Properties should be in liveable condition, meeting health and safety standards as agreed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and, ideally, available for at least six months.
Process
Property owners can offer homes on the designated website or by contacting the local authority in which the property is located.
Those who offer a property can expect to be contacted by the local authority within five working days of making their offer.
The local authority will conduct an assessment of the property shortly after.
The statement added that the assessment is to ensure the property is habitable and to get detail to match to the most appropriate person or family.
To offer a property or for more information, visit offerahome.ie.
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