RAS Tenant Leaflet
Information for Recipients of Rent Supplement Allowances
How will the RAS Work?
Under the RAS your local authority will find you suitable accommodation and will pay rent to the landlord directly. You will still contribute to the rent but you will pay it to the local authority, not your landlord. Over time your contribution may be based on your local authority’s differential rent scheme.
How will the RAS Benefit You?
The RAS will give you long-term housing security. It will also give you access to a range of housing supports. The RAS will also lead to improvements in the quality and standards of private rented accommodation. Finally, if you get a job you can stay in the scheme but you will have to contribute more towards the rent.
Who will Qualify for the RAS Scheme?
You will qualify for the scheme if you receive a rent supplement under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme and you are assessed by the local authority to have a long-term housing need. People with short-term needs will continue to receive rent supplement.
The RAS Does Not Apply to:
- Asylum seekers
- Non-nationals who do not have leave to remain in the State permanently
- People receiving a rent supplement payment under schemes such as the ‘Back to Work Allowance’ scheme.
Will I Have to Move to New Accommodation?
Local authorities will make agreements with private landlords to provide accommodation on a medium to long-term basis. You may transfer to the RAS in your current accommodation if:
- the quality of your current accommodation meets your local authority’s standards;
- your landlord is registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board;
- your landlord agrees to move to the RAS, and
- your landlord is tax compliant.
Otherwise your local authority will offer you new accommodation.
What Happens First?
Your Community Welfare Officer will contact you to make sure you are still entitled to rent supplement. Then a housing officer in the local authority will discuss your housing needs with you. If you are transferring to the RAS in your current accommodation, the local authority will inspect it and make arrangements with your landlord.
When Will I Get Accommodation Under the RAS?
As soon as possible. In some cases, where the local authority has suitable accommodation available, this will happen quite quickly. If suitable accommodation is not available, your local authority will make every effort to house you as soon as possible. In the meantime, as long as you still qualify, you may stay in your current accommodation and continue to receive rent supplement.
What Should I Do Now?
You don’t have to do anything at this stage. Your local authority and/or Community Welfare Officer will contact you.
Can I Refuse an Offer of Accommodation?
If you are offered accommodation under the RAS scheme, you can refuse it. However, if you refuse three offers of housing within a set period, you will not be entitled to rent supplement for a period of twelve months. Your local authority will make sure that any accommodation offered to you will suit your needs and meet their housing standards.
Can I Still Apply for Local Authority Housing?
Yes. The RAS will not affect your application for a local authority house.
Does the RAS Affect My Rights Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2004 protects the rights of private rented sector tenants after a period of six months. The RAS scheme will not affect your rights under this law.
RAS Location:
RAS Unit, Housing Department,
North Tipperary County Council,
Civic Offices,
Nenagh,
Co. Tipperary.
Opening Hours:- Mon to Fri. 9.30am – 4.30pm
Contact Person:- P.J. Corrigan @ 067 44864 or Jackie Coffey @ 067 44642
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