Rental Accommodation Scheme

Information

If you are getting Rent Supplement for more than 18 months and you are in need long-term housing, you may be eligible for the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). The scheme is run by local authorities (all local authorities should have implemented the scheme by the end of 2005). The local authority will make the final decision regarding who is eligible under the scheme.

Under the scheme local authorities draw up contracts with landlords to provide housing for people with a long-term housing need for an agreed term. The local authority pays the rent directly to the landlord (you may continue to contribute to your rents but you pay this contribution to your local authority not to your landlord).

The key elements of the scheme are:
• Local authorities will pay the full rent to the landlord on behalf of the tenant
• Landlords must register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) and the tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (pdf).
• The property must meet minimum standards for private rental accommodation.
• Deposits are not required since the local authority has entered into a contract with the landlord.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has published two explanatory leaflets; a leaflet on the Rental Accommodation Scheme for tenants (pdf) and a leaflet on the Rental Accommodation Scheme for landlords (pdf). A general overview of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (pdf) is also available.

Where to apply