Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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913. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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A Residential Tenancy Agreement under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) involves a three way contractual relationship between landlord, tenant and the housing authority.

Under the agreement, in return for a guarantee that the housing authority will pay an agreed monthly rent to a landlord under the scheme, the landlord agrees to fulfil certain terms and conditions. These terms and conditions include providing the authority with a tax clearance certificate, repairing and maintaining the property to the proper standards, notifying the housing authority when the property becomes vacant and terminating a tenancy when requested to do so by the housing authority.

In the event of a persistent breach by the landlord of a Residential Tenancy Agreement, for example, where a landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs or improvements to the property, in the first instance the housing authority should make every effort to reach agreement with the landlord to remedy the situation. However, in the event that the breach continues then the housing authority can suspend payment to the landlord, by giving 21 days written notice.

If a landlord does not comply within the timeframe allowed, the contract is terminated by the local authority. Under the terms of the Rental Accommodation Scheme local authorities retain responsibility to source further accommodation for a RAS household, should the dwelling that the household is living in become unavailable through no fault of their own.