Rent allowance paid directly to landlords in eight pilot areas

TENANTS claiming rent allowance in eight pilot areas around the country will no longer get the money directly from this week because their local authority is making the payment to the landlords.

The new scheme kicks into place in Dublin, Galway and Limerick cities and in South Dublin, Donegal, Westmeath and Offaly county councils as well as Drogheda Town Council this week.

The system is being brought in because under a new regulation local authorities now have responsibility for housing people on rent allowance for more than 18 months.