Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You are free to choose whichever Broadband and TV provider you wish.

No satellite dishes are permitted. All terrestrial TV channels are available through any national TV and Broadband providers. The television aerial connection for Saorview is in the attic space of the apartments and two storey buildings or it is affixed to the gable end of single storey dwellings.

However, if you reside in a single storey building with an external aerial and pole provided you may, subject to permission from the Helpdesk, take down the aerial and affix a satellite dish to the existing pole and take the new satellite wire connection through its existing conduit.

TORC Sustainable Housing will not allow any mechanical fixings or alterations that may penetrate external and internal walls of your home. This type of work could compromise the existing warranties to your home and damage the multi-layered insulation, fire proofing and damp proofing.

Whilst we are sympathetic to residents who wish to access worldwide channels, unfortunately we currently cannot permit the installation of satellite dishes to the structure of your home.

Unfortunately, your attic space is not designed to accommodate any storage. There is adequate storage within the property, which should be utilised. Your attic space was designed primarily to accommodate the property’s cold water storage tank and to accommodate air flow.

We encourage to you make a home for both you and your family and you are welcome to decorate and paint the inside of your home in any way you wish. However, should you wish to make alterations to your home such as removing wardrobes, kitchen units, or any type of structural or electrical work you must first seek advice and permission from the Repairs Helpdesk and refer to the Tenant Handbook (pages 12, 24 & 25)

Your rent is assessed in accordance with the Local Authority’s Differential Rent Policy. Please notify TORC of any changes to your household income so that your rent can be accurately assessed.

Pets will only be permitted with agreement from your Housing Services Coordinator and only after a pet agreement has been signed. Please note that certain breeds of dogs are prohibited – please refer to page 12 of your tenant handbook for further information.

The current tiling in your home is considered part of the structure and you will require written permission from TORC before replacing any tiles.

No tiling is permitted in the bathroom or ground floor toilet of your home without prior permission and discussion with TORC Housing and the Helpdesk..

No, unfortunately kitchen units, presses or wardrobes cannot be removed from your home, unless you can  satisfy specific criteria (e.g. adverse medical needs) supported by a report from a professional case worker or Occupational Therapist. Please contact the Helpdesk for further details on this.

Garden sheds are subject to written permission. Only one Garden Shed is permitted in the back garden subject to the following:

1. The maximum allowable size is 3m x 3m. and the height is not to be more than 3m.
2. The shed can only be made from treated wood, galvanized steel, or plastic.
3. Only readymade sheds are permitted and are to be supplied by a reputable manufacturer and installed by the manufacturer – Insurance details of the manufacturer / installer to be supplied to TORC prior to the installation of the shed.
4. No Perspex is permitted.
5. A concrete base is not permitted.
6. The garden shed needs to be raised from ground level.
7. The shed is to be used for domestic purposes only. No commercial and/or social activities are permitted to be operated from the shed.
8. No electricity or water supply is permitted to the shed.

Unfortunately, these properties cannot be purchased, however please rest assured that as long as all the terms of your lease are adhered to, you have security of tenure in your new home.

The Local Authority in your area where you reside is your landlord and Torc Housing act as their Agent.

TORC are the agent acting on behalf of the Local Authority, your landlord.

Repairs are completed by the TORC Facilities Management Team. Repairs can be requested by calling the Helpdesk on:- 01 485 2020 and choosing Option 1 for Repairs.

You can also report a repair on the TORC Website.

Permission for the installation of a pre-paid meter is required.  All associated costs for a Prepaid Meter are the responsibility of the tenant, and it is also the tenant’s responsibility to have the meter removed should they vacate the property.

Please note, that for homes that have the air to water heating system or a gas boiler installed,  you must  always ensure you have credit on your pre-paid electric and gas meter. Should you run out of credit, the heating systems may not re-set correctly and may require a call out, resulting in a re-set charge being applied to you, the resident and tenant.

If you are experiencing a problem with your heating system, there a few items you can first check to help deal with your query in an efficient and timely manner.

• Your heating system requires electricity to operate, if the electrical supply has been interrupted, then your heating system may require resetting.
• Alternately, if you pay for your electricity or gas using a pre-pay meter and your credit has run out, you may need to re-set your heating appliance after the credit has been applied to the meter. Please avoid letting your credit on your electric or gas pre-pay meter run out.
• Your heating may not come on if the thermostat is turned down too low. make sure this is turned up (start by making sure the thermostat dial has been turned past 20).
• With a gas boiler, if the Gas Supply and Electricity is available to the boiler, the boiler may need to be reset, in many instances for gas boilers, this can be done simply by;

1. Turning your boiler on at the time clock as you normally would.
2. There is a thermostat knob located on the front of your boiler, turn this off. 3. Wait for 10 seconds and turn this knob back on.
3. Your boiler should come back on, if not turn it off again and repeat the process.
4. If after 3 attempts your boiler does not come on, turn it off at the time clock.

 If you have tried all the above and it still doesn’t work, please log a repair by calling Repairs Helpdesk.

All garden alterations, including patio slabs are subject to written permission. Please do not procced with any works without first receiving permission in writing from Torc Housing. Rear gardens cannot be concreted over as you may prevent access to manhole and AJ locations within the garden.

Yes you can, there are certain brackets that can be used to hang TVs from the walls, however please contact the Helpdesk for more information and guidance on this.

Please ensure that nothing but toilet water, toilet paper and human waste are flushed down the toilet(s) to your home, under no circumstances should wet wipes or other such items be flushed down a toilet. Wet wipes flushed down toilets will cause blockages and if TORC identify this as cause, it may result in any call-out charge and costs being incurred by the tenant . Always dispose of wet wipes with your household general waste bins and do not flush down the toilet.

 Also, please take care to clear any food waste from your plates before washing up as food waste should never be flushed down the kitchen sink drain, as it will likely result in blockages. Also, use a mesh drainer to catch any items before they reach the drain, run some hot water through your kitchen sink after each use, this helps to flush any oils in food products through the kitchen sink waste, u-bend trap and drain, rather than building up on the interior surface of pipes, which can clog up the waste, u-bend and/or drain.

Children can injure, or even fatally strangle themselves on window blind and curtain cords. It’s imperative that all parents and carers child-proof their window dressings. Choose new blinds or curtains carefully – there are now many options available that don’t have cords or chains.

Safety Guidelines

• keep cords out of reach of young children– cords should be at least 1.6 metres above the ground.
• Move beds, cots and furniture away from windows and doors.
• Cut the cord or install safety devices such as a ‘tension device’, a ‘breakaway device’ or a ‘non-tangle device’
• Ask the shop if the blind meets the EU safety standard EN 13120:2009+A1:2014

Most people find a temperature of between 18 to 24 degrees comfortable.

If your heating is not working, before contacting the TORC Helpdesk, the first thing you need to do is check your wall mounted Thermostat. The wall Thermostat controls the radiator heat output. If the Thermostat is set at 15 degrees, for example, the house will stay relatively cold. We understand that sometimes this can be knocked, or children can touch it, but make sure you check it before you call out a technician to your house!

It is important to know where the inside stop valve is for your home in case you ever need to turn off the water in the event of a plumbing issue or major leak. Your internal stop tap (also known as stop valve or stop cock) is the point where you can shut off the water supply to your home. Inside stop valves are generally located under the kitchen sink. The external stop tap is located near the outside of the home under a small cover. External stop taps are used to turn off the Mains water supply. Ideally it should only be used by a qualified plumber or by the water supplier.

If you observe water damage in your home or suspect a leak, turn off the water supply to your home and report your concern to the Repairs team through the Helpdesk on 014852020.

• Switch to LED lightbulbs. They use 80-90% less electricity than a standard bulb and will last 10 times longer.
• Lowering your thermostat by just 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill. If its above 20ºC, turn it down.
• Switch appliances off rather than leaving them on standby. This will save up to 20% of your appliances’ energy use.
• Go for cooler 30ºC washes. Up to 90% of the energy that your washing machine or dishwasher uses is for heating the water, not for running the machine.
• Don’t fill your kettle – boil only the amount you need. The more water in a kettle, the more energy it takes to boil.
• Keep curtains closed at night and in empty rooms. Most of the heat loss in homes happens through windows.
• Don’t leave the hot tap running – you’re literally pouring money down the drain!

All TORC residents will have their boilers serviced every year. Tenants are emailed one week in advance and phoned a day before the scheduled service. Each service takes about 30 minutes

Boiler maintenance is important to ensure efficiency and save costs, to decrease the risk of failure, to extend the life of the boiler and to keep you & your family safe from Carbon Monoxide.

There are 310 TORC homes that have the Solic 200 Solar Panels in operation. All TORC homes which run on gas heating also have Solar panels, these are: Cluain Ailbhe, Drom Cuilinn, Clairin, Presentation Gardens and Pairc Ui Mhuirithe. The remaining schemes in Roscommon, Skibbereen and Clonakilty have ‘Air to Water’ heating systems.

Solar Panel tips:

1. Always leave your immersion switched on
2. If you observe 3 green lights on the controller the panels are operational and supplying solar power to the house which is then best captured by heating water
3. Any variation of lights on the controller is perfectly normal and not a maintenance issue unless there is a constant red light on the “mains” 
4. Solar operating times will vary due to weather and daylight,  summer months will maximise the solar output, winter months will be minimal output
5. The maximum power output of the solar panels per house/apartment is 1,800 watts but it can operate as low as 20% efficiency or 360 watts i.e dull/overcast days will be less productive than bright sunny days with clear skies.

In summer months, residents can save between €10 and €15 per week from their energy bill.

Written permission is required for any additional persons to be added to your household (as stated in your Tenant Handbook). If you would like a partner or anyone else to move into your home, please follow these steps:

• Contact your Housing Service Coordinator (HSCO) with the name, address, and nature of your relationship with the person you want to join your household
• Your HSCO will send you the relevant paperwork to complete. This will include the Local Authority Housing Application form and a request for identity and financial documents.
• The HSCO may then conduct an interview with you and the prospective additional occupant
• All relevant information is forwarded to the Local Authority who will then decide whether to approve or deny the request. This can take up to 12 weeks.
• Finally, you will be notified in writing by your HSCO as to the outcome of your request

At TORC Sustainable Housing, we want to ensure that we provide safe, efficient, durable, comfortable and sustainable homes for our tenants. By carrying out annual inspections we meet our statutory obligations to our stakeholders, investors and local authorities, as well as updating and improving standards to ensure the quality of accommodation for our tenants.

For more information check out this Torc Top Tip on Annual Property inspections.

More and more people are installing CCTV in their homes. This may take the form of CCTV Cameras or Ring Video Doorbell cameras. If you want to install one of these systems, you need to:

• Complete an ‘Adaptation Request Form’
• Submit the completed form to your HSCO outlining the type of CCTV system you wish to install
• The form will be reviewed and assessed by Facilities Management. They will then send out a letter to grant or deny your request.

For more information, visit the ‘TORC Top Tip for Tenants’ on home surveillance devices 

Contents Insurance is optional but strongly recommended.

What does your Tenancy Agreement say?

Tenants are responsible for insuring the contents of the house against loss through damage from fire, flood and theft. Tenant are responsible for damage to fixtures and fittings, house contents carpets etc. arising from such loss. TORC will not pay for any damage caused and the tenant will be responsible for such costs. (Section D- Maintenance/ Alterations to Dwelling – point 36).

What does the TORC Tenant Handbook say?

• TORC has insured the structure of your house. The contents of your house should be insured by you as the tenant (page 9 – ‘insurance)
• You should arrange to insure your own contents and personal belongings under a separate insurance policy. (page 13 – ‘Home and Contents Insurance’)
• In general, the standard insurance perils under a standalone Contents Policy are as follows:

Damage caused by, Fire, Lightning, Explosion, Aircraft, Earthquake, Riot, Civil Commotion,

Malicious Damage, Storm or Flood, Bursting or Overflowing of Water Tanks, Pipes or

Apparatus, Impact by any Road Vehicle or Animal, Glass Breakage & Theft (as a result

of forcible or violent entry to or exit from the premises) including Accidental Damage.

• Regardless of the cause or source of the damage to the house, any damage or loss to your contents, must be referred to your own Contents Insurance Policy and Insurer.

Yes! You can have pets. However, you need written permission from TORC before bringing a pet to your home.

How many pets are allowed? up to a maximum of 2 dogs & 2 cats depending on the Local Authority area you live, please contact the TORC Helpdesk to check. Your property also needs to need to be suitable to accommodate animal’s needs.

Process to request a pet:

1. Consider if your property is suitable for the type of animal you want
2. Make sure it is not on the TORC list of banned animals or breeds
3. Contact your HSCO to request a ‘Pet Permission Application Form’ or download it from the TORC website (under ‘Forms’ section)
4. Send the form back to your HSCO by email to info@torcsustainablehousing.ie or by post. It’s helpful to include a photo of the animal.
5. Once your HSCO receives your form they will contact you to discuss it
6. The request will be denied or approved in writing to you

Help! I already have a pet that I didn’t declare – what should I do now? If you were unaware of this process, don’t worry you can contact your their HSCO and they will go through the process with you.

If approved these conditions apply:

• Pets must be micro-chipped in line with legislation
• You are responsible for the behaviour of your pet
• You must not allow your pet to cause nuisance e.g., excessive barking or aggressive behaviour
• You must make sure your pet’s faeces are properly disposed of

What does your Tenancy Agreement/ TORC Handbook say about pets?

Tenancy Agreement: Section D – Maintenance/ Alterations to Dwelling – Clause 38 & 39.

Tenant Handbook:

Section 2 – Tenancy Agreement (Page. 12).

Section 6 – Being a Good Neighbour (Page. 39).

Section 7 – Anti-Social Behaviour (Page. 45).

What pets are banned/dangerous breed?

Residents shall not keep any fowl, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, or other animals (except for domestic pets).

Residents shall not keep the following breeds of dog: American Pit Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosca, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any type of dog known as a “Ban Dog” (or Bandog) or any strain or crosses of those breeds described above.

In January each year TORC commences a Rent Review process.  It is a tenancy requirement and ensures that residents are paying the correct rent amount for the year ahead.  It’s also an opportunity for us to ensure that resident details on file are up to date.

In January each year, residents will be asked to complete their ‘Confidential Income Statement’ (CIS) through an online digital platform called ‘Keyhole’. Residents are sent a link by email to complete their digital Rent Assessment in respect of their current household members and income into the home.

For more information see the January 2023 TORC Top Tip or the ‘Annual Rent Review‘ Page.

Condensation affects a large proportion of households in Ireland, particularly during the cold Winter months. While it is mostly harmless, if your windows aren’t maintained, the moisture could develop into dangerous mould that can cause health issues like asthma, eczema and bronchitis. If you have noticed condensation on your windows – use these tips to combat it.

Before you carry out any work to your home you should first check with your Housing Services Coordinator as you may require written authorization. You must obtain TORC’s written consent if you are planning to carry out alterations or make any additions to the premises. This includes to the electrical and plumbing systems and fixtures such as: sheds, greenhouses, satellite dishes, new fireplaces, immersion heaters and sink units or the exterior of the premises.

You should not make any alterations to your property without requesting TORC’s approval first. This is clearly stated in your Tenancy Agreement and your Tenant Handbook.

Tenancy Agreement – Section D – Maintenance/Alterations To Dwelling.
• Clauses – 31, 32 & 34 (Main Clauses in Tenancy Agreement).

TORC Tenant Handbook – Pages 12, 24 & 25.
• Section 2 – Tenancy Agreement – Matters Which Require Written Permission (Page 12).
• Section 4 – Repairs & Maintenance – Alterations & Home Improvements (Page 24).
• Section 4 – Repairs & Maintenance – Aids & Adaptations (Page 25)

If you have made an unauthorized adaption, take the following steps:

1) Contact TORC by phone or email to advise what works were carried out and to request a Retrospective Adaption Request Form to be issued.

2) If there is an immediate health and safety concern, Facilities Management may require immediate access to the property to assess the works.

3) Tenants should submit a completed Retrospective Adaption Request form and include photos of the works and a diagram/sketch if applicable. Make sure to sign and date the form.

4) Facilities Management will review the retrospective adaption request and will make a decision to approve or refuse the request. Depending on the type of works carried out, a tenant may be requested to submit additional information before a request is fully considered by the FM team e.g. Fire Engineers report, Provision of Certificates of compliance (Electrical, Plumbing etc..)

5) If a Retrospective Adaption Request is REFUSED, a tenant may be required to remove all works or make further alterations to the works to comply with local authority policy or health and safety requirements. The cost of any remedial works will be borne by the tenant.

For more information, visit the TORC Top Tip on unauthorized adaptions.