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Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)

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.

Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) FAQs


If you are in receipt of Rent Supplement for a long period and you are in need of long-term housing, you may be eligible for the Rental Accommodation Scheme (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.

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.

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.

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.

For more information about the Rental Accommodation Scheme, please contact our Rental Accommodation Unit at 058-22007.