New Dublin rental scheme 'designed with landlords in mind' launched
A new rental scheme "designed with landlords in mind” is being introduced across Dublin .
The Dublin Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Pilot Scheme aims to address the problem of attracting and retaining properties by offering extra support to landlords. This includes guaranteed rent paid directly by the local authority to landlords, longer contracts of up to eight years, and rent paid even while the property is completely vacant.
Delivered in partnership by the Department Housing with Dublin City, Fingal, South Dublin, and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown county councils, the scheme has been described as offering a “minimal hassle” alternative to traditional private renting.
Key benefits for landlords outlined by DCC include:
With tenants nominated by the council, the local authority will pay their rent in full to the landlord. The tenancy is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, but councils not classified as landlords will have no role in any RTB disputes. The scheme is open to professional landlords as well as those renting single properties, and is described by DCC as a “simple way to secure steady income while reducing risk and administrative burden”.
Minister for Housing James Browne said that RAS “remains an important part of our social housing system” and this new system offers a way to provide “further stability for households”. He said: “The measures being introduced reflect recommendations from the Review of the Future of the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
“This pilot allows us to test whether additional flexibility and stronger supports can increase property owner participation and expand the supply of homes available to social housing tenants. The evidence gathered will guide future national policy on the role and operation of RAS.”
Sinn Féin Group Leader Councillor Daithí Doolan said he supports “any attempt to get people permanent, safe, secure housing” but questioned whether they are too dependent on landlordism and the private market to address the housing crisis. He said schemes such as this highlight that the government’s attempts to deliver housing have “failed again and again”.
He said he supports those who will be able to get out of difficult situations and homeless accommodation through this scheme but that RAS and similar supports are merely "a band-aid" to much larger systemic housing problems. Cllr Doolan believes there is an urgent need for adequate funding “to build homes that meet the needs of the people”.
“Many will be delighted to be the recipients of this RAS scheme and good luck to them. And I wish them well, I'll be fighting for it. But long term, we need a housing programme because otherwise you'll just be going from HAP, to homeless HAP to RAS, as opposed to getting people into safe homes,” he said.
Cllr Doolan stressed those who are able to avail of the scheme will not have any extra security than a private tenant in the current precarious housing market. If a landlord wishes to terminate the rental agreement they can serve a notice of termination in line with current legislation.
“They'd be lucky to get it, but there's no sense that they'll be in there for years. They could be back out in six months or 12 months. Back into homeless accommodation again,” he said.
Cllr Doolan is calling for more permanent measures to be put into resolving the housing crisis and said that, while RAS can help those in need, it's not addressing the root issue. “I've been in the game long enough to see almost a second generation now locked into homelessness . I'm dealing with children of parents who were once homeless themselves,” he said.
The launch of the RAS Dublin Pilot Scheme was welcomed by Lord Mayor Ray McAdam who said it offers “a real opportunity for landlords to benefit from secure, long-term rental income”. He said: “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."
Chair of the Housing SPC Cllr Deirdre Heney also welcomed the scheme as an “important and timely development in how we respond to housing needs in Dublin”. She said it “a clear commitment to innovation, partnership, and the delivery of more stable, long-term housing outcomes for our tenants”.
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