Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)

Local authorities may assist you in finding accommodation in the private market if you qualify for long term rent supplement and have a qualified housing need. The local authority will pay the landlord and you will pay a rent contribution to the local authority.

Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is a social housing support introduced to cater for the accommodation needs of persons who are in receipt of long-term rent supplement.

Persons normally must be in receipt of rent supplement for a minimum period of 18 months and be assessed as having a long-term housing need.

Under the RAS scheme, private rented properties provide an additional source of good quality rental accommodation for eligible persons.

  • The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is a nationwide scheme for people who are receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more and who have a long-term housing need
  • Under RAS the Council enters into contractual arrangements with landlords to secure the medium to long-term availability of private rented accommodation
  • The Council pays the agreed monthly rent to the Landlord on behalf of the tenant
  • The tenant pays the Council a weekly income based rent
  • The landlord must meet requirements in relation to tax compliance, registration with the RTB, provide a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate for the property which must meet minimum standards for private rented accommodation as determined by the Council on inspection

For more information on the scheme please email ras@carlowcoco.ie

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – RENTAL ACCOMMODATION SCHEME (RAS)

Carlow County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from landlords for inclusion in the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). RAS is a three-way relationship between the property owner, a local authority and the tenant.

Benefits for landlords include;-

  1. The landlord will receive prompt payments directly from the local authority for the duration of the Rental Accommodation Scheme contract.
  2. There will be no need to employ a rent collection service.
  3. Tenants are sourced on the landlord’s behalf, saving on advertising costs.
  4. Landlords who lease their properties under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) may be eligible for enhanced tax relief, including claiming up to 100% of mortgage interest as a deductible expense against rental income. This relief is intended to support landlords participating in long-term social housing schemes. For full details and eligibility criteria, landlords should consult the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie 

Expression of Interest form is available below.

Expressions of interest must be returned clearly marked “RAS EOI” to ras@carlowcoco.ie

Please note that Carlow County Council is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

 

Fiona O’Neill

A/Director of Services 

27th May 2025