Housing
Rental Accommodation Scheme
RAS (Rental Accommodation Scheme) commenced in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown in February 2006. RAS is an initiative to cater for people who are in receipt of Rent Supplement living in the private rented sector for 18 months or more and are considered as having a long-term housing need.
Under the scheme, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council negiotiates contracts with landlords for their properties for a set period of time. In order to apply a landlord must be Tax compliant and their property must pass an inspection to ensure the quality of the accommodation.
In return Landlords do not have to collect rent and depending on the type of contract agreed, fill vacancies. They will be guaranteed payment in advance, at the start of each month for the duration of the contract and in some cases even when the properties are vacant.
The core principle of RAS is that the landlord and Tenant relationship remains between those parties and the Landlord retains responsibility for insurances, for the management and maintenance of the property and all furnishings, fittings and equipment and for addressing ASB.
RAS will drive tax compliance, tenancy registration and an improved standard of accommodation in the private rented sector as full compliance with the law in all matters is prerequisite for Landlords wishing to participate in RAS.
RAS also affords the Local Authority the opportunity to control tenure mix and to promote social integration.
RAS is beneficial to both the landlord and tenant
Incentive for Landlords: Guaranteed bankable income payable in advance by Electronic Fund Transfer from a state agency without having to collect rent and/or fill vacancies. The council also carries out a thorough background check on all prospective tenants.
Incentive for Tenants: Secure tenure, good quality accommodation with the state paying the bulk of the rent. The biggest advantage for Rent Supplement recipients in transferring to RAS is that they may return to full time employment as they will pay a rent contribution to the Council in accordance with the Differential Rent Scheme and will not lose their state rent subsidy.
Related Links
- Private Residential Tenancies Board
- Threshold
- Department of Revenue
- Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
- Non Principal Private Residents
- Department of Environment, Community & Local Government