This Operational Guide capitalizes on the experience built to date by various IOM country offices and is intended to support the delivery of rental assistance across IOM missions and their implementing partners. It outlines the general steps in the design and implementation of a rental assistance programme and is intended as a reference by all operational personnel who might be involved in its design and delivery.

Although programme design and implementation may often be led and coordinated by the Country Shelter and Settlements Team (where this exists), it is also recognized that rental assistance can be and is often delivered by other IOM teams (notably Cash-Based Interventions, Protection, and Social and Economic Integration) and/or partners representing other sectors. Regardless of who is leading the delivery of rental assistance, this Operational Guide is intended to support staff and implementing partners involved in incorporating the minimum processes and components of rental assistance that ensure IOM due diligence is undertaken and a “do no harm” approach is adopted.