Brief Guide to the Rental Accommodation Scheme

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) helps those who have been receiving rental supplement for more than 18 months to find suitable housing. These people are assessed as having a long term housing need. The operation of the scheme is thanks to the collaborative effort of government departments, the HSE and local authorities. The local authority is responsible for sourcing property and paying the full rent to whoever provides the accommodation on behalf of the tenant for up to four years.

It is optional for landlords to enter into, but to be a part of the scheme:

- The landlord must be tax compliant and have proof of such by a Tax Clearance certificate

- The property must meet the minimum standards

- As with other tenancies, it must be registered with the PRTB

A person having a home is undoubtedly a good thing, and providing good quality rental accommodation will benefit society as a whole. Having secure accommodation makes it easier to access employment and education opportunities which in theory may lead to the ability to access a broader range of accommodation. It also takes the strain off the Supplementary Welfare Allowance and pushes up standards in the private rented sector.
 

For landlords, the advantages include guaranteed rent for four years minimum, no vacancies for your properties, no advertising costs, no hassle collecting rent or falling into rent arrears and tenants are screened beforehand. As with ordinary rental agreements, the value of the rent is determined by the local market and negotiation. It must be noted that the RAS is not a property manager. The landlord still has responsibility for maintenance and repair, tenant issues and insurance.

*Info sourced from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Dublin City Council. Contact your local authority to find out how you can become a part of the scheme.