Question 1

What is the Mortgage to Rent scheme?

Accepted Answer

Mortgage to Rent is a Government-backed scheme that allows homeowners who can no longer afford their mortgage to stay in their home as a social housing tenant. Irish Homes purchases the property, your mortgage is cleared, and you pay an affordable rent to your Local Authority instead.

Question 2

Who is eligible for Mortgage to Rent?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible, you must be in mortgage arrears on your home, have engaged with your lender about alternative repayment arrangements, be eligible for social housing support, and your property must be within certain value thresholds. Your lender, MABS, or a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP) can help assess your eligibility.

Question 3

Will I have to leave my home?

Accepted Answer

No. The whole purpose of the scheme is to allow you to stay in your home. Once the process is complete, you remain living in your property as a tenant of your Local Authority, paying an affordable, income-based rent.

Question 4

What happens to my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Your mortgage is fully cleared as part of the process. Irish Homes purchases the property from your lender, and your mortgage debt is written off. You no longer owe anything on the mortgage.

Question 5

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 65% of cases now complete within 12 months from appointment. When measured from submission to the Local Authority, 67% of completed cases close in under 9 months. Timelines depend on cooperation between all parties involved.

Question 6

How do I apply for Mortgage to Rent?

Accepted Answer

You can contact Irish Homes directly on 01 525 2537 or email mtr@irishhomes.ie. You can also be referred through your lender, MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service), or a Personal Insolvency Practitioner (PIP). All enquiries are completely confidential.

Question 7

What happens after I apply?

Accepted Answer

After initial contact, your eligibility is assessed. If suitable, the Housing Agency reviews your case, and your Local Authority confirms your social housing need. Irish Homes then works with your lender to agree a purchase price. Throughout the process, our Tenant Liaison Officer Kevin Keogh is available to guide you every step of the way.

Question 8

Will my home be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The property will be inspected to ensure it meets Minimum Rental Standards. If any refurbishment is needed, Irish Homes carries out the work at no cost to you. On average, our properties improve by two steps on the BER Energy Rating Scale after refurbishment.

Question 9

Do I need a solicitor?

Accepted Answer

You may need independent legal advice during the process. Your MABS advisor or PIP can help guide you on this. Irish Homes handles the legal and conveyancing process on the purchase side.

Question 10

How much rent will I pay?

Accepted Answer

Your rent is set by your Local Authority based on their differential rent scheme. This means your rent is linked to your household income and is designed to be affordable. It will be significantly less than your previous mortgage repayment.

Question 11

Can I be asked to leave after the process?

Accepted Answer

Mortgage to Rent provides long-term security. You become a social housing tenant with the same rights and protections as any other Local Authority tenant. As long as you meet your tenancy obligations, you have long-term security in your home.

Question 12

Who do I contact about repairs and maintenance?

Accepted Answer

After the process is complete, your Local Authority is responsible for your tenancy. For property maintenance, you should contact your Local Authority directly. Irish Homes also has an asset management team that works to ensure properties are maintained to a high standard.

Question 13

Can I ever buy back my home?

Accepted Answer

The scheme is designed to provide long-term social housing. Buying back the property is not a standard feature of the scheme. However, Government policy on tenant purchase schemes may evolve over time.

Question 14

Is my enquiry confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All enquiries to Irish Homes are treated as strictly confidential. We understand the sensitivity of financial difficulty and handle every case with complete discretion and respect.

Question 15

Where else can I get help and advice?

Accepted Answer

MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) offers free, confidential advice: call 0818 07 2000 or visit mabs.ie. You can also contact the Insolvency Service of Ireland (isi.gov.ie) or Citizens Information (citizensinformation.ie) for guidance on your options.

Question 16

What if I don't qualify for Mortgage to Rent?

Accepted Answer

If you don't qualify, there may be other options available to you. MABS and your PIP can advise on alternative arrangements such as personal insolvency, mortgage restructuring, or other housing supports. Irish Homes can also point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions