Donegal County Council has stressed that it takes all reports of breach of tenancy ‘seriously’.
The local authority was responding to a claim by a councillor earlier this month that houses intended for people on low incomes are being rented out on Airbnb.
Cllr Micheal Cholm Mac Giola Easbuig also said social housing units are being let on a long-term basis while the tenant lives elsewhere.
“People are pretending to be living in them, but they are renting out their council houses on Airbnb and other platforms,” he said at the time.
Responding this week, a spokesperson for the council’s housing section said it is responsible for over 5,000 housing units and believes the vast majority of tenants comply with the conditions of their tenancy agreement.
However, the council takes all reports of breach of tenancy seriously including abandonments, subletting or the illegal occupation after the legal tenant has moved out or died,” they said.
The spokesperson added that, whilst such cases are low in the county, all reports are fully investigated to ensure compliance with the tenancy agreements and the efficient use of the available housing stock.
“The Council is not in a position to discuss ongoing investigations in this area, but it does review approximately ten complaints of possible breaches per year.
“If anyone suspects that a council property is not being used by the legal tenant or is vacant, the Council would encourage them to bring it to the attention of their local Housing Office so they can fully investigate matters.”
Cllr Mac Giola Easbuig also said he has asked Independent TD, Thomas Pringle, to formally raise the issue in the Dáil.
The independent representative for the Glenties Municipal District says the illegal practice is taking place all over the county.