The rental accommodation scheme was introduced in July 2005 to cater for the needs of person s who are in receipt of rent supplement for more than 18 months or who have been assessed by the housing authority as having a long-term housing need.

Local Authorities will enter into contractual arrangements with accommodation providers, landlords, property owners, estate and letting agents.  The Local Authority will assume responsibility for making full monthly rent payments to landlords for the duration of the contract.  The landlord will not have to collect rent or fill vacancies and the Council will pay full rent even if the property is vacant.  The term of the contract will be negotiated between the parties. It is notable that no deposit is payable to the landlord under the RAS scheme, however the local authority may be willing to guarantee up to one months rent towards the cost of damages above normal wear and tear.

The key ‘landlord and tenant’ relationship will remain between the property owner and the former rent supplement recipient.  The council will act as a broker or agent on behalf of the tenant.  Landlords retain responsibility for insurances, routine maintenance and repair and dealing with other tenant issues.