RENTAL ACCOMMODATION SCHEME (RAS) CORK CITY
Introduction
The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) takes a coordinated and strategic approach to encouraging the provision of rental properties by landlords and property owners. The scheme offers a straightforward, reliable partnership with Cork City Council, providing long‑term letting arrangements, secure rental income, and dedicated support throughout the process. RAS provides long‑term, stable housing for eligible households. Unlike short‑term or emergency supports, it offers a structured multi‑year agreement. Cork City Council, will work with private landlords to supply good‑quality homes for approved tenants, helping to increase secure housing options across the city. RAS operates through a three‑way arrangement: landlords provide the property, the Council pays the rent directly, and the tenant follows normal tenancy rules. Guaranteed monthly rent removes the risk of missed payments or vacancies, while tenants benefit from long‑term security and required safety standards. Most contracts run for six to eight years, giving property owners predictable income. If a tenant leaves, the Council continues paying rent until a new RAS tenant is placed. Properties must meet the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. The Council inspects homes before and during the tenancy, and landlords must maintain the property and insurance as in standard private renting. Landlords must register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and hold valid tax clearance. Rent levels will be determined by Cork City Council having regard to local market evidence, comparable properties, and the terms of the scheme. Tenants pay rent to the Council through the Differential Rent Scheme, ensuring consistent payments and a fair, transparent process for all parties.
What is RAS? RAS Cork City Pilot Scheme
RAS is a social housing support involving a three-way agreement between:
You (the tenant)
The Landlord
Cork City Council
Renting your property
Landlords receive a guaranteed monthly rent payment on time from Cork City Council. RAS contracts up to six years minimum.
Benefits to Landlords
Guarenteed rent for contract period, no rent collection costs
100% mortgage interest tax relief (subject to Revenue guidelines)
No advertising costs. Tenants are sourced for you
Payments continue during vacancy periods
*terms and conditions will apply
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of contracts are available?
Cork City Council offers contracts with rental income guaranteed for the term of the contract. Any extension or renewal would be subject to agreement and the applicable legal and policy framework at the time.
Can I terminate the lease?
If a landlord is leaving RAS, they need to serve a Notice of Termination to the tenant and send a copy to Cork City Council.
Please Note: Any notice served needs to be in line with current rental legislation at that time. The Notice of Termination, periods of notice, templates of notices and reasons why and when notice can be served can be found on the Residential Tenancies Boards website www.rtb.ie.
What if the tenant is re-housed during the contract period?
Under the Availability Contract, if the tenant is re-housed during the term of your contract, Cork City Council will continue to make payments during any vacancy period for up to three months, or until a new tenant is offered the property, whichever occurs first.
Why might the local authority refuse my property?
a. The property may not be of a suitable condition. b. Agreement on rent may not be reached. c. The property owner/landlord is not tax compliant.
What documents/details do I need to give the Council?
Proof of ownership of the property, Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN) details, copy of current insurance policy for the property, proof of payment of Annual Management Fees if applicable.
How will the rent amount be determined?
Rent amounts will reflect local market rents of comparable properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the rent paid and how?
The rent will be paid by Cork City Council monthly in advance (processed on the 1st Monday of the month) by electronic transfer directly into the landlord’s bank account. Please note that, if the property owner/landlord is living outside of Ireland, the rental income is subject to 20% with holding tax. Further details on this aspect are available on www.revenue.ie
Do I need a Tax Clearance?
Yes, an up-to-date Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN) is mandatory, and it is the responsibility of the Landlord to have up to date tax clearance. Payments will be suspended by Cork City Council if the owner/landlord does not have up to date Tax Clearance.
Does the tenant pay rent direct to Cork City Council?
Yes, the Tenant pays their rent directly to the Local Authority under the Differential Rent Scheme. A landlord is not permitted to request any top up payment from the tenant. The full rent amount is paid by Cork City Council on behalf of the tenant to the landlord.
Am I responsible for the payment of the Local Property Tax?
Yes. As the property owner you are responsible for the payment of this charge as well as all other charges and taxes that may be introduced by the Government during the term of the lease.
Will the Council inspect the property?
Yes, Cork City Council will first arrange for the property to be inspected by a designated contractor to ascertain its suitability for inclusion under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The property will be inspected to confirm it complies with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019. Inspections are also carried out at Contract Renewal stage or if requested by a tenant, if they feel the property has fallen below minimum rental standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Property Need to be furnished?
Yes, the property needs to be fully furnished. RAS cannot accept an unfurnished property.
How is the tenant allocated to the property?
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020 govern the relationship between the landlord and the tenant. Under the terms of these Acts, a RAS tenancy must be registered with the RTB. If the tenancy is not registered, the landlord cannot avail of the dispute resolution services of the RTB should an issue arise with the tenancy. As Cork City Council is neither a landlord nor a tenant under a RAS agreement, it does not have a role in the tenancy under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended) and therefore cannot refer or be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board. The landlord is required to send confirmation of registration to Cork City Council at Ras@corkcity.ie once the tenancy has begun. Do I have to register the lease with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)? Cork City Council will nominate a tenant to the property. The tenant will sign a RAS residential tenancy agreement with the landlord. The local authority will also be party to this agreement as guarantor of the rent.
Who will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs to my property?
The Landlord is responsible for managing the tenancy and for managing and maintaining the property, this includes annual boiler maintenance.
Who is responsible for the structural maintenance of the property? The owner of the property will retain responsibility for structural
maintenance, structural insurance, and structural repair. Who is responsible for grass cutting/ window cleaning?
The person living in the property in the case of houses and the Management company in the case of apartments.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the case of an apartment, who pays the Management Service Charge?
The management fees remain the responsibility of the owner of the property.
Who pays the refuse charges?
Where there is a management company service charge, refuse charges are usually included in this. Where there is no management service charge the occupier of the house will be liable for the refuse charges.
Who insures the property?
In the case of apartments, the insurance will be covered as part of the management service charge. In the case of houses, you will be required to maintain buildings and insurance, as you would be liable for any structural repairs e.g. roof. You will be required to maintain contents insurance for the furniture you provide. It is the tenant’s responsibility to have insurance for their own contents. Are landlords entitled to any tax relief forrenting their property through RAS? Landlords who rent to tenants in receipt of RAS, may also avail of increased tax relief. Property owners may claim up to 100% relief on their mortgage interest, as an expense against rental income. Further information is also available from the Revenue Commissioners on www.revenue.ie. What are the responsibilities of the landlord? Themain landlord/tenant relationship ultimately remains the same between the property owner and the RAS tenant as it would with a typical private rented tenancy. However, the Local Authority effectively acts as agent on behalf of the tenant. The landlord is responsible for: insuring the property as well as insuring the landlord's contents and public liability routine maintenance, repair and replacement of equipment dealing with breaches of the tenant's obligations to the landlord, should they arise
For more information visit:
Email Ras@corkcity.ie Phone 021-4294000
RAS
Scéim Cóiríochta ar Cíos Rental Accommodation Scheme
Completed forms to be emailed to: ras@corkcity.ie Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS. All questions must be completed.
RENTAL ACCOMMODATION SCHEME LANDLORD APPLICATION FORM
Landlord Details:
Full Name:
Phone:
Home Address:
Email:
EIRCODE:
Are you a resident in Ireland? (Please tick)
Yes
No
(For non resident landlords 20% tax will be deducted from your monthly rent and be paid to the Revenue Commissioner on your behalf)
Are you the sole owner of the property?
Yes
No
If “No” please give name and address of Co-Owner Full Name:
Full Address and EIRCODE: (if different from the previous address given)
Property Address:
Does this property have a front garden?
Yes
No
Does this property have a back garden?
Yes
No
Does this property have a garden shed?
Yes
No
Does this property have lift access?
Yes
No
Is the property built above a commercial unit?
EIRCODE:
Yes
No
Does the property have an extension?
Yes
No
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Yes
No
If House:
If Apartment:
Bungalow
Ground Floor Apartment
1st floor or Above Apartment
Dormer
Please state the number of:
Bedrooms:
Semi Detached
Bathrooms:
Type of Heating System: Year of Construction: Type of window glazing in the property:
Kitchens:
Utility Rooms:
Mid Terrace
Dining Rooms:
Living Rooms:
End Terrace
Parking Spaces:
Garages:
Detached
What is the BER of the property
Scéim Cóiríochta ar Cíos Rental Accommodation Scheme RAS
Agent, if applicable:
Management Company Details (if applicable)
Additional Documents/Requirement Documents required to be submitted after property passes an Environmental Health Inspection: Confirmation of an up-to-date Tax Clearance Access Number (TCAN) is mandatory Copy of the current insurance certificate for the property Copy of BER Certificate (Building Energy Rating Certificate) (for further information check www.seai.ie) Proof of ownership of the property (please refer to your solicitor or Land Registry at www.landdirect.ie) Proof of Payment for Annual Management Fees if applicable.
Please read carefully before signing the Declaration
1. Your property will be inspected by an Environmental Health Officer. Please note the
property must comply with Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and
2. Please note that Cork City Council is not liable for any costs incurred in the upgrading of the property or any costs in relation to the sourcing of the documents listed. Cork City Council RAS requirements before the property is accepted onto the scheme.
Declaration: I hereby declare that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Signature:
Date:
Complete and return this form by email to:
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10Powered by FlippingBook