No future rent increases for pensioners in social housing
New measure takes effect immediately
Pensioners living in social accommodation will be protected from any future rent increases, the Housing Minister announced on Thursday.
The new measure will come into effect immediately and means that once a tenant’s rent has been established as that applicable for a pensioner, “it will no longer be subject to increases” in any future rent reviews.
The amendment to the Housing Authority’s policies will also apply to pensioners whose rent has already been recalculated during the current rent review exercise, “ensuring equal treatment for all eligible households,” the minister said.
Owen Bonnici said the amendment is an “additional safeguard” for pensioners who rely primarily on their pension income.
“Together with the Housing Authority, I took this decision because I firmly believe that our elderly deserve continued support through policies that make a real difference in their daily lives,” Bonnici said.