Housing · Rental Rights
Tenant in Situ Scheme Ireland 2026
If your landlord is selling your home and you are at risk of homelessness, the Tenant in Situ scheme allows the local authority to step in and buy the property — so you can stay in your home as a social housing tenant. You pay differential rent (based on income), not market rent.
TENANT IN SITU SCHEME — AT A GLANCE
| What triggers it | Landlord serves valid termination notice on grounds of intended sale |
| Who can apply | Qualifying tenants at risk of homelessness; eligible for social housing |
| Who buys the property | Local authority or Approved Housing Body (AHB) |
| Purchase price | Market value (negotiated with landlord) |
| Tenant stays? | Yes — as social housing tenant with full tenancy rights |
| Rent charged | Differential rent (10–15% of net household income) |
| Landlord must agree? | Yes — voluntary scheme; landlord cannot be compelled |
| Apply to | Your local authority housing department |
What to do if you receive a notice of termination (landlord selling)
- Step 1 — Check validity: Ensure the notice is valid under the Residential Tenancies Act (correct notice period based on tenancy length, correct written format, signed)
- Step 2 — Contact your local authority: Go to the housing department immediately and explain you received a termination notice for sale — ask about the Tenant in Situ scheme
- Step 3 — Provide documentation: Copy of tenancy agreement, notice of termination, proof of income for social housing assessment
- Step 4 — Register on housing list: If not already assessed, apply for social housing support — this is required to qualify for Tenant in Situ
- Step 5 — Do not leave early: You are entitled to stay until the end of your statutory notice period (up to 224 days for tenancies of 8+ years)
Notice periods for landlord selling (2026)
| Tenancy duration | Minimum notice period |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | 28 days |
| 6 months to 1 year | 35 days |
| 1 to 2 years | 42 days |
| 2 to 3 years | 56 days |
| 3 to 7 years | 84 days |
| 7 to 8 years | 112 days |
| 8+ years | 224 days |
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Tenant in Situ purchase process take?
The process can take several months — the local authority must assess your eligibility, approach the landlord, agree a price, carry out due diligence (legal, structural), and complete the purchase. It is important to apply as early as possible after receiving your notice of termination. If the process is not complete before the notice expires, the local authority may apply to Threshold or the RTB to extend your tenancy while the purchase completes.
Can a landlord refuse to sell to the local authority at market value?
Yes. The scheme is entirely voluntary for landlords. A landlord may prefer to sell on the open market for various reasons (faster transaction, no conditions). If the landlord refuses, your local authority housing options (emergency accommodation, allocation to a social housing unit) become the fallback. Contact Threshold (the national housing charity) for free advice at any stage.
Does the Tenant in Situ scheme affect my right to buy my home in the future?
As a social housing tenant, you may in future become eligible to purchase your home through the Tenant Purchase Scheme (available to long-term local authority tenants). This is a separate scheme with its own conditions. Being a Tenant in Situ social tenant does not block this future option — it preserves it.
What happens if the landlord sells to a private buyer before the local authority completes the purchase?
Until exchange of contracts (the legal binding point of sale), the landlord can sell to anyone. If a private buyer is agreed before the local authority transaction completes, the Tenant in Situ route may be lost. This is why acting quickly on contacting the local authority after receiving your notice is essential.
Is the Tenant in Situ scheme available in all parts of Ireland?
Yes. All local authorities participate in the scheme. However, capacity and response times vary between local authorities. In areas with high rental demand (Dublin, Cork, Galway), local authorities have dedicated housing officers managing Tenant in Situ enquiries.
Can HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) tenants also use Tenant in Situ?
Yes. In fact, HAP tenants who receive a notice of termination for landlord sale are among the main beneficiaries of the Tenant in Situ scheme, as they are already assessed for social housing support and on the housing list. Contact your local authority HAP team alongside the housing department when you receive the notice.
This page reflects Tenant in Situ scheme operation for 2026. Speak to your local authority housing department for case-specific advice.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.