'Designed with landlords in mind': Dublin City Council launches enhanced rental scheme

Eva Osborne

Dublin City Council has launched an enhanced Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) with the aim of providing landlords with guaranteed income and long-term security.

The council said the scheme was "designed specifically with landlords in mind" and offers guaranteed monthly rent, long-term contracts, and "minimal hassle".

Dublin City Council, in partnership with Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, is calling on landlords and property owners across Dublin to take part in the enhanced RAS Dublin Pilot Scheme.

Among the benefits for landlords:

• Monthly rent is paid in full and on time directly by the local authority;
• Up to 100% market rent available;
• Long-term contracts: Agreements of up to eight years;
• No advertising costs: Tenants are sourced and nominated by the local authority;
• Tax relief opportunities: Potential eligibility for 100 per cent mortgage interest tax relief.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: “The RAS Dublin Pilot Scheme offers a real opportunity for landlords to benefit from secure, long-term rental income while playing a vital role in providing homes for people across our city.

"By working in partnership with local authorities, landlords can enjoy certainty and support, while contributing to a more stable and sustainable housing system in Dublin.”

Minister for Housing, James Browne, said, “The Rental Accommodation Scheme remains an important part of our social housing system.

"This Pilot will give the Dublin local authorities additional practical tools to engage with property owners, secure more homes for social housing and provide greater stability for households.

“The measures being introduced under this Pilot reflect recommendations made in the Review of the Future of the Rental Accommodation Scheme. They will allow us to test, in a focused way, whether additional flexibility can help increase property owner participation and make more homes available to social housing tenants under RAS.

“The evidence gathered through the Pilot will help inform future policy decisions on the role and operation of RAS nationally.”