South Dublin County Council Launches New Rental Scheme

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

South Dublin County Council, in partnership with Fingal County Council, Dublin City 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 Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Pamela Kearns, highlighted the RAS Dublin Pilot Scheme as a secure, practical opportunity for local landlords. "It offers guaranteed rent and long-term stability by partnering directly with the council," she stated. "More than that, it directly transforms lives. Every property made available provides a vulnerable family, individual, or senior with a safe, stable home in our community. While Dublin desperately needs housing, it also thrives on collaboration. Landlords now have a meaningful way to tackle housing shortages and build stronger communities. It is a true win for owners, tenants, and Dublin as a whole." 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 revised and improved programme will give Dublin local authorities practical new tools to work with property owners, secure more homes, and provide greater stability for households.

“By improving the way the programme works for those with properties that can be utilised, we can bring more properties into the system and help more people access safe, secure housing and tenancies.”

“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.”

Colm Ward, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, welcomed the initiative as a crucial step forward. “The RAS pilot scheme marks a timely, innovative evolution in how we address Dublin's housing needs by focusing on strong public-private partnerships, we can deliver more stable, long-term housing solutions for our tenants. This initiative provides landlords with the confidence to participate, directly translating into secure, lasting homes for families and individuals across Dublin”.

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.

For further information, please contact:

South Dublin County Council’s Media Relations Office: T: +353 (1) 414 9000