The Housing Executive grants scheme is designed to help those properties that most need help. You can always apply for a disabled facilities grant and a repairs grant.

When deciding who should get a grant the Housing Executive looks at the condition of the property, your personal circumstances and whether you live in one of the targeted areas. Your local Grants Office can give you more information on whether you live in a targeted area.

Keep in mind that, due to a funding shortfall, the Housing Executive is additionally prioritising grants awards.

• Condition of the property
  
• Personal circumstances
  
• Targeted areas
  

Condition of the property

You are more likely to get a grant if your accommodation is unfit for human habitation. A house would be considered unfit for human habitation if:

• it has a sagging roof
• it has bulging walls
• it has rising damp
• there is a lack of natural light in the living room
• there is no running water.

Contact an advice agency if you have been turned down for a grant but you feel that your home is unfit for human habitation.

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Personal circumstances

You are more likely to get a grant if the Housing Executive decide that you are a vulnerable person. For example,

• you are receiving jobseeker's allowance
• you are receiving income support
• you , or someone you live with, has a disability
• you are an older person.

You will usually only be able to apply for a Home Repairs Assistance grant if you are claiming a means tested benefit like income based jobseeker's allowance.

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Targeted areas

You are more likely to get a grant if you live in certain areas that the Housing Executive has targeted as needing extra help . Contact your local Grants Office for more information on these areas.

Rural Priority Areas

Rural areas where housing conditions are particularly poor and the area suffers from economic disadvantages. If you live in a Rural Priority Area you are more likely to get:

• a replacement grant
• a renovation grant
• a home repairs assistance grant.

Urban Priority Areas

Urban regeneration areas including Urban Renewal Areas and areas with regeneration strategies in place. If you live in an Urban Priority Area you are more likely to get:

• a renovation grant
• a home repairs assistance grant.

Town Centre Living Initiative Areas

Areas in the centre of towns and cities as part of a strategy to encourage people to live in the area. You are more likely to be eligible for a renovation grant and a house in multiple occupation grant if you live in a Town Centre Living Initiative area.

HMO Action Areas

Areas where there is a concentration of HMOs, particularly larger HMOs. You can only get a HMO grant if you live in a HMO Action Area.

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