In certain circumstances, such as funding shortfalls, the Housing Executive can restrict the award of grant aid. This is known as prioritisation of grants and is currently in operation.

Under current economic circumstances, the Housing Executive is limiting the range of grants and level of awards available to private tenants and owner-occupiers.

You will still be able to apply for mandatory grants, i.e.:

• the disabled facilities grant and/or
• the repair grant.

However, while restrictions are in place, you may no longer be able to apply for discretionary grants, such as:

• renovation grant
• replacement grant
• home repairs assistance grant
• HMO grant and
• LOTS (Living over the Shops) grant.

Applications for HMO grants, where work has started, will be unaffected and all approved grants applications will continue as normal.

New applications for discretionary grants are unlikely to be approved, except in extraordinary circumstances. The Housing Executive may not even agree to accept any new preliminary enquiries for discretionary grants, until sufficient funds become available.

In normal circumstances, prioritisation of grant aid usually means that the Housing Executive awards grants in the following order:

• Mandatory grants - Disabled facilities grant and Repair grants
• Replacement grants in Rural Priority areas
• Renovation grants for unfit properties in Rural Priority areas and Urban Priority areas
• Renovation grants as part of a Group Repairs scheme
• Replacement and renovation grants in non-priority areas
• Home Repairs Assistance grants for external and safety work
• House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) grants in HMO Action areas
• Home Repairs Assistance grants for other types of work

Your local Grants Office can give you more information on how the Housing Executive prioritises grants in your area.

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