Rental Accommodation Scheme

Wicklow County Council is currently implementing the Rental Accommodation Scheme. This is a new initiative being introduced by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to cater for the accommodation needs of persons who are in receipt of rent supplement, normally for more than 18 months, and who have a long-term housing need. Its aim is to provide additional, good quality rented accommodation and the scheme is being run by Wicklow County Council for the entire County including Arklow, Bray and Wicklow Town Councils.

Under this Scheme, Wicklow County Council enters into agreements with Accommodation Providers (Landlords) who either have existing Rental Supplement Recipients as tenants or have new dwellings for use under the Scheme.

The landlord and Local Authority sign a contractual agreement for the letting of their property. The landlord no longer has to collect rent, fill vacancies or pay agency fees and is guaranteed a prompt rent payment, payable monthly by the Local Authority even while the property is vacant.

In return the tenants will be assured a good standard of accommodation and the opportunity to return to work without losing all the benefits of their income supports. RAS will not affect their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004, which protects the rights of private rented sector tenants after a period of six months.

The key 'landlord and tenant' relationship will remain between the property owner and the former rent supplement recipient. Landlords retain responsibility for insurances, routine maintenance and repair and dealing with other tenant issues.

Expressions of interest are invited from landlords who wish to participate in the Scheme. Full details of the Scheme are available in the Landlord and Tenant Leaflets which are available on our website.

If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme or have any queries please contact the RAS Section at 0404 20120, ext 2354 or ras@wicklowcoco.ie