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Cork City Council Seeks Applications for Rental Accommodation Scheme

09/09/2026

Cork City Council is encouraging property owners and letting agents to consider joining the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), a long-established housing support programme that provides benefits for both landlords and tenants.

 

Under the RAS, landlords can enjoy the security of a consistent and reliable rental income, with payments facilitated through Cork City Council.

 

RAS also offers longer-term tenancy arrangements, helping to reduce vacancy periods and providing greater certainty in planning and managing rental properties.

 

For tenants, the scheme provides access to secure, quality accommodation and greater housing stability.

Longer-term rental arrangements help individuals and families to establish themselves within their communities while continuing to receive the housing supports they need.

So far this year, RAS has helped prevent 42 households in Cork City from entering homeless services.

 

The benefits of RAS for landlords include the following:

 

  • Guaranteed rent for the contract duration without the need for a rent collection service.
  • Payments during vacancy periods.
  • Long-term occupancy.
  • Local authority manages tenant placement, saving on advertising costs.
  • Property owners may claim up to 100% relief on their mortgage interest as an expense against rental income.

 

Martina Broderick, the Acting Director of Housing, Cork City Council, said: “The Rental Accommodation Scheme offers a win-win situation for both landlords and tenants.

“For landlords, the scheme provides guaranteed, regular payments and long-term secure tenancies, while for tenants, the scheme provides stability and security”

 

“With almost 700 households in Cork City currently supported through RAS, and 42 households prevented from entering homeless services already this year, the scheme continues to play a vital role in our housing system. We would strongly encourage any landlord with a property available to contact Cork City Council’s RAS Section to find out more.”

 

Introduced in 2004 and operating through local authorities nationwide since 2005, the RAS has provided thousands of households with secure, long-term housing while offering landlords a reliable and sustainable letting option. Currently, approximately 700 households in Cork City are availing themselves of the scheme.

 

As demand for housing continues to grow, Cork City Council is encouraging new and existing landlords to explore the opportunities available through RAS.

By participating in the scheme, landlords can benefit from dependable income and reduced turnover while making a valuable contribution to meeting local housing needs.

RAS has proven to be a successful partnership between Cork City Council, landlords, and tenants, delivering stability, security, and positive outcomes for communities across the city.

 

For more information, landlord and tenants can email ras@corkcity.ie or call 021 492 4000


An information booklet can be accessed via: https://publications.corkcity.ie/view/109258213/

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