What are the Main Features of the Scheme?

Local authorities will enter into contractual arrangements with accommodation providers to secure the medium to long-term availability of private rented accommodation for the RAS.

While different contract types may be entered into they will have in common the following main features:

• the local authority will pay the full rent to the landlord on behalf of the tenant;
• the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 - 2015, will govern the relationship between the landlord and the tenant;
• the landlord must be tax compliant;
• the property must meet minimum standards for private rented accommodation as determined by the local authority; and
• the landlord must have registered, or agree to register the tenancy with the Private Rented Tenancies Board (PRTB).

How will the RAS work?

The RAS will involve a three-way relationship between:

• the local authority and the landlord;
• the landlord and the tenant;
• the tenant and the local authority.

In general, as a first step, the local authority will seek to enter into a contractual arrangement with the accommodation provider to make housing available to the RAS for an agreed term. The terms of this contract will be negotiated between the two parties. The accommodation may be an existing property or new build. The local authority will guarantee the rent on behalf of the tenant and will undertake to make the full payment directly to the landlord.

Secondly, the local authority will nominate a RAS recipient to the accommodation who signs a residential tenancy agreement with the landlord. The nominee could be an existing tenant of the property who currently receives rent supplement and is eligible for the RAS. The local authority will be party to this agreement as guarantor of the rent.

Finally, the RAS recipient and the local authority agree that the local authority will make payments to the landlord on the recipient's behalf.

What contractual arrangements will exist between the Landlord/Agent and the Local Authority?

Standard forms of contract form the contractual basis for arrangements between landlords, tenants and local authorities. The form of contract entered into will set out the general responsibilities of the three parties. Within certain parameters local authorities will be able to negotiate the particular conditions under which accommodation providers make their properties available for the RAS. Local authorities will provide prospective RAS landlords with further information in relation to the form of the contractual arrangement it will be seeking to enter into.

Landlord & Tenant Relationship and Responsibilities of Landlord

The key "landlord and tenant" relationship remains between the property owner and the former rent supplement recipient. The local authority will act as broker or agent on behalf of the tenant.

As such, the landlord will retain responsibility for:

• Insurances - property, landlord's contents and public liability;
• Routine maintenance/repair and replacement of equipment; and
• Dealing with breaches of the tenant's obligations to the landlord should they arise.

How will rent levels be determined?

Rent levels will be determined by negotiation between the landlord and the local authority and will reflect local market conditions. The local authority pay 92% of the open market rent, The discount on agreed open market rent accounts for the rent payment certainty provided to owners.

Deposits and Damage to Property

No deposits will be paid under the RAS as a contractual arrangement will exist between the landlord and the local authority. However, where damage is caused to property, which is above routine wear and tear, the housing authority may be willing to guarantee the equivalent of up to one month's rent towards the cost of repair/replacement. The details of this will be the subject of negotiation.

How to become involved in the RAS?

Landlords with eligible Social Welfare Allowance (SWA) rent supplement tenants will be approached by the relevant local authority and invited to participate in the RAS, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.

If you do not currently have a SWA rent supplement tenant but are interested in participating in the RAS, please contact ras@roscommoncoco.ie or 090 6637100.

You can register your interest as a Landlord in the Rental Accommodation Scheme by completing an Expression of Interest form (see below).