Can a council house be privately rented ?

emg1997

Myself and my girlfriend , two third level students, have been renting an apartment/house for six months. We have recently come across documents that seem to indicate we're living in a council house , something which our landlord didn't make us aware of.
1. Is this legal ?
2.Are we entitled to a refund of previous rent paid ?

mkdon

Following - how did you find out ? More details please

mkdon

Following - how did you find out ? More details please

fritzelly

If the council are letting the property out to the "landlord" then he is the resident renter not you so yes he's breaking the tenancy agreement. And I'm assuming you're not "on the floor"
http://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content/HousingAndCommunity/LookingForAHome/tenants%20handbook.pdf

As for part 2 - are you joking?

Peregrinus

Your landlord may be in breach of his agreement with the council, but this is not your problem.

Your not entitled to a refund of rent paid to date - you got what you paid for, which is accommodation. If, as a result of the landlord's breach of his duty to the Council, you end up having to leave, then you might have a claim of some kind against the landlord (for failing to provide you with the accommodation that he has contracted to provide).

Mrs OBumble

A council tenant can take housemates - but they must be approved by the council, and the rent calculation papetwprk requires them to provide details that a subtenant would not normally give to their landlord.

B.A._Baracus

You can't legally rent out a counsel house.
But come on... you would be looking to get rent back? :pac: What a greedy thing to say.

Xterminator

Hi OP

just wow. a refund of rent for time you did have accommodation without issue?

If 'by legal' you mean could the council take action if they found out, yes they could. however as accommodation is hard to find, im not sure if you want to cause this to happen. if you are unhappy, you should look around, and leave when alternative place to stay is sourced.

there is always the possibility someone will report this, and your could suddenly be told to leave. make sure you have receipts for rent and bills, to protect yourself. do not pay cash only with no receipt/rent book.

Arklow10

The landlord may have purchased the property from the Council?
There may well be a line in the house deeds that says it cannot be sublet or rented on- however they may have purchased the property and bought out this clause?
You may be looking at an old document that has subsequently update?

Enjoy the property !