Step by step guide to the LOTS Grant Process

Updated: 12 Feb 2012
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The grant can be used to fit a new bathroom
HMO fire regulations bathroom
The guide below shows the process for obtaining a LOTS Grant. This can be explained in more detail by staff in our HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) Offices or the Fermanagh Grants Office in Enniskillen, which handles applications for grant aid in Town Centre Living Initiative Areas.

Step by step guide to the grants process

  • You must complete a preliminary enquiry form and send to your local HMO office. We will acknowledge receipt within 10 working days.
  • Inspection of the property - your local office will advise you of when the inspection will take place. This will usually depend on the demand for grants in that particular area.
  • We will issue you with a schedule of grant aided works - this will happen within 12 weeks from the date of inspection
  • You must provide us with all the necessary documentation. Applicants are usually requested to submit all documents within 6 months. However, the length of time to obtain these documents will depend on the response times of other statutory bodies.
  • Your contribution to the work will be assessed by us.
    • If you are a landlord this will be verified by the HMO or grants office. The maximum grant awarded is 80% of the eligible expense, up to a maximum of £25,000 for one flat, and up to a total maximum of £30,000 if more than one flat created.
    • If you are an owner occupier this will require a formal Test of Resources form to be completed and submitted to the HMO Office. Details of your family income, for example, will be checked to determine your contribution towards the cost of the work
  • You will receive formal grant approval to start work. This will be issued by us within 6 months.
  • You must inform us when the work begins.
  • You may request payment for fully or partially completed work.
  • We will inspect the work for stage or final payment within 2 weeks from request.
  • We will pay the agreed amount of money within 4 weeks. Final payment is subject to submission of all appropriate documentation.