Local Authority Housing

Sligo Borough Council housing has traditionally been the main option for those who could not afford housing from their own resources. While other housing options have been introduced in recent years, local authorities remain the main providers of social housing, making available a range of rented housing to meet a variety of accommodation needs.

Do I qualify?

If you are in need of housing and unable to provide it from your own resources, you may apply to Sligo Borough Council, Housing Department. In assessing your application, Sligo Borough Council will take into account such factors as household size, household income, your present accommodation (if any), the condition of that accommodation and any special circumstances including age, disability, medical circumstances etc. of either you or any member of your family included in the application.  If you feel that you qualify for housing, you are advised to contact Sligo Borough Council, Housing Department.

Where do I apply?

Application forms are available on line at http://www.sligoborough.ie/Services/Housing/Downloads/ or can be obtained from the Housing Department and submitted to Sligo Borough Council, Housing Department, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo. 

If I qualify what do I do next?

If you qualify, you are considered as having a longterm housing need and you are then accepted onto Sligo Borough Council’s housing list.  As houses become available to the authority for letting, they are allocated to applicants in accordance with the Scheme of Letting Priorities. The authority if requested can advise a person of their position on the housing list. You should bear in mind that your position on the housing list may go up or down, as your circumstances, and that of other applicants, change.  There is a responsibility on all applicants to inform the Local Authority of any change(s) in their circumstances, e.g. move address, changes in status of employment or rates of pay, persons included/not included on application etc.  Failure to advise the Local Authority of any changes in your circumstances may affect your entitlement to housing or your position on the waiting list.

Does inclusion on the housing list qualify me for other housing measures?

Inclusion on the housing list presents a number of additional options to housing applicants. For example, if your housing needs can be met by the extension or improvement of a privately owned house (either owned by you or by a relative), the Scheme of Improvement Works in Lieu of Sligo Borough Council Housing may be appropriate. You may also qualify for a Low Cost Housing Site, Shared Ownership, Affordable Housing or the Voluntary Housing Schemes.

What if I don't qualify?

If you don't qualify, Sligo Borough Council will inform you and explain the reason(s) for its decision. The authority can provide information and offer advice on other housing options available - e.g. Shared Ownership, Affordable Housing, Rental Accommodation Scheme, Sligo Borough Council Housing Loans etc.  If you are dissatisfied with the decision of the Housing Department you may if you wish appeal the decision to a more senior official within the organisation.

What happens if they offer me a house that I don't want?

You are entitled to decline an offer of accommodation made by Sligo Borough Council. However, you should be aware that, if it considers your reason(s) for refusing a house not well based, it may, in certain circumstances, reduce your priority on the housing list.

If I get a house, how much rent will I pay?

Local authorities rents are income related to the household. Therefore, if the total income of the household is low, you can expect to pay a low rent. If your financial circumstances improve, the rent will rise accordingly. Full details may be obtained from Sligo Borough Council.

Can I buy my house from the Sligo Borough Council?

Yes. If you have been a tenant of a Sligo Borough Council house for at least one year you may apply to the Sligo Borough Council to purchase your house at a discounted price. You may purchase the house either outright or by way of a Shared Ownership option, which enables a tenant who cannot afford outright purchase in one step to buy a share in the house now and the remainder at later stages within 25 years. If you are buying outright, you have the choice of applying to Sligo Borough Council or to a bank or a building society for a mortgage. If you are buying by way of Shared Ownership, you may obtain a mortgage from Sligo Borough Council to meet the cost of the share in the house you are purchasing. A separate leaflet on the Tenant Purchase Scheme and Shared Ownership Scheme is available from Sligo Borough Council.

Further information

Sligo Borough Council, Housing Department, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo is open to the public Monday – Friday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm.  The offices can also be contacted by Telephone on 071 9114400, Fax: 071 9114499 or by e-mail info@sligoborough.ie.