The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is for people who are receiving Rent Supplement and who have a long term housing need that cannot be funded from their income. Applicants must be in receipt of Rent Supplement for 18 months to qualify.
For more information about the Rental Accommodation Scheme, please contact our Rental Accommodation Unit at 058-22097.
How does RAS work?
Under RAS, your local authority will help secure a longer contract of tenancy with your existing landlord and will pay rent directly to the landlord for you. You will still pay rent but you will pay it to the local authority. The rent you pay will be based on your income and will be assessed in accordance with Waterford City & County Council's Differential Rent Scheme.
What are the benefits of RAS?
RAS will give you longer-term housing security. RAS will also ensure that the quality and standard of your private rented accommodation is adequate. Unlike Rent Supplement you can take up employment when on RAS. If you get a job, you can stay on the scheme but your rent will be reassessed based on your new income.
Am I eligible for RAS?
You will qualify for the scheme if you have been receiving Rent Supplement for a minimum of 18 months and you have been assessed by the local authority as having a long-term housing need. RAS does not apply to asylum seekers or non-nationals who do not have permission to remain in Ireland permanently.
Will I have to move to new accommodation?
If the accommodation in which you live meets the standards for rented houses and your landlord is willing to participate in RAS, you will be able to remain in your current accommodation. Your current accommodation must be appropriate to your housing need e.g. number of bedrooms. If your accommodation is sub-standard and/or your landlord is not willing to engage with the scheme, you will be advised to source alternative accommodation. If your accommodation is not appropriate to your housing need you will also be advised to source alternative, appropriate accommodation. Tenancies funded by the Rental Accommodation Scheme are governed by The Residential Tenancies Act, 2004.
Does the RAS affect my rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004?
Tenancies funded by the Rental Accommodation Scheme are governed by The Residential Tenancies Act, 2004.
Where can I get more information?
For more information about the Rental Accommodation Scheme, please contact our Rental Accommodation Unit at 058-22097.