Rental Accomodation Scheme (RAS)
Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Background:
- Rental Accommodation Scheme - Application Form For Inclusion In Scheme (MS Word File - 113 KB))
- Rental Accommodation Scheme - Expression of Interest by Landlord (MS Word File - 62 KB)
Mayo County Council is introducing a new scheme called the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). The Scheme is for people who are receiving rent supplement, usually for more than 18 months, and who need long term-housing.
Under this new Scheme, Mayo County Council will negotiate an "availability contract" with the landlord/property owner/estate or letting agent under which the Council will guarantee a monthly payment of the rent amount on behalf of the tenant directly to the Landlord for the period of the contract. The terms of this contract will be negotiated between the Council and the Landlord but generally it will be for four years or longer. The rent paid by the local authority will be the full, agreed rent for the property. The Landlord will not have to collect rent or fill vacancies for the duration of the agreement. The Council will collect the tenant's rent contribution and will pay the full rent to the Landlord even if the property is vacant. Landlord will have a bankable asset that a guaranteed RAS rent payment represents and guaranteed prompt payment by a State agency. The payment will be made promptly on a monthly basis, in advance of the due date.
The key 'landlord and tenant' relationship will remain between the property owner and the former rent supplement recipient. The Council will act as broker or agent on behalf of the tenant.
Landlords retain responsibility for insurances, routine maintenance and repair, and dealing with anti-social behaviour.
From the perspective of the tenant, the Scheme will provide additional, good quality rented accommodation for people receiving rent supplement and it will help local authorities to provide long-term housing for people who need it. The RAS will give tenants of private rented accommodation long-term housing security while also giving them access to a range of housing supports.
The potential benefits of this new scheme are significant in term of greater effectiveness in meeting housing needs, better value for money, promotion of social inclusion and avoiding gaps or overlaps in meeting needs.
Contact Details: Rental Accommodation Unit, Mayo County Council, Westport Civic Offices, Westport, County Mayo
Phone: 098 50414 Email: RAS@mayococo.ie
Useful Links
- General Overview of the Scheme - Department of the Environment, Local Government and Heritage. (external link; Word)
- Information on Tax Clearance Certificates - Revenue Commissioners (external link)
- Information and Application to Register as a Landlord - Private Rented Tenancies Board (external link)
- Information for Landlords (Accommodation Providers & Agents) (external link; PDF)
- Information for Recipients of Rent Supplement Allowances (external link; PDF)
- Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 - A Quick Guide
RAS Unit
Westport Civic Offices
Altamont Street
Westport
Co. Mayo
Phone: Patsy McNulty @ 098 50414; Gerri Joyce @ 098 50446; Darragh McHugh @ 098 50448
Email: ras@mayococo.ie
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.