Dublin City Council Launches New Rental Scheme Offering Guaranteed Income and Long-Term Security for Landlords

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, a flexible, secure and financially attractive way to let residential properties.

Designed specifically with landlords in mind, the enhanced Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) offers guaranteed monthly rent, long-term contracts, and minimal hassle, making it a strong alternative to traditional private renting.

Through the RAS Dublin Pilot Scheme, landlords benefit from a direct partnership with local authorities, who take on key aspects of the rental process, including sourcing suitable tenants and guaranteeing rental payments.

Whether you are a professional landlord or have a single vacant property, the scheme offers a simple way to secure steady income while reducing risk and administrative burden.

Key Benefits for Landlords

• Guaranteed Rent: 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 8 years, offering income certainty
• No Advertising Costs: Tenants are sourced and nominated by the local authority
• Continuous Payments: Rent payments continue even during vacancy periods
• Tax Relief Opportunities: Potential eligibility for 100% mortgage interest tax relief (subject to Revenue guidelines)

The scheme operates through a three-way agreement between the landlord, the tenant, and the local authority:
 

• The local authority pays the full rent directly to the landlord
• The tenant is nominated by the council and has been assessed as having a long-term housing need
• The tenancy is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 2004
• Landlords continue to manage the tenancy and maintain the property, as in the private rental market

Properties must be vacant or newly built, fully furnished, and compliant with rental standards. Local authorities will carry out inspections to ensure suitability.
 
The RAS Dublin Pilot Scheme offers landlords a secure, low-risk letting option, backed by the reliability of local government. With guaranteed income and long-term occupancy, it provides a practical solution for landlords seeking stability in an evolving rental market.
 
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray MsAdam, 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, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, 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.”

Deirdre Heney, Chairperson of the Housing and Social Inclusion Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), Dublin City Council, said, “The RAS pilot scheme marks an important and timely development in how we respond to housing need in Dublin. It demonstrates a clear commitment to innovation, partnership, and the delivery of more stable, long-term housing outcomes for our tenants.”

Landlords with vacant or available properties are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and join a scheme that delivers both financial security and peace of mind.
 
ENDS