With immediate effect, no rent increase for pensioners living in social housing.
Following a policy amendment, pensioners living in Housing Authority properties will be protected from any future rent increase that may result from rent review exercises.
The new measure means that once a tenant’s rent has been established on the basis that they are a pensioner, it will no longer be subject to increases during future rent reviews made by the Housing Authority from time to time. The amendment will also apply to pensioners whose rent has already been recalculated in the ongoing review exercise to ensure equal treatment for all eligible families.
While recent improvements to the rent calculation mechanism have already led to fairer and more favourable valuations for tenants, the Government has identified the need to introduce an additional safeguard for pensioners who depend primarily on their pension income.
This reform is at the heart of this Government’s commitment to the elderly, recognising the contribution they have made to our society throughout their lives and reflecting the Government’s belief that our elderly should enjoy their retirement with greater financial stability and reassurance, without fear of future rent increases.
Minister for Accommodation and Lands, Owen Bonnici, said that this amendment is another example of a Government that puts people at the centre of its decisions.
“Together with the Housing Authority, I took this decision because I firmly believe that our elderly deserve continued support through a policy that makes a real difference to their daily lives. By ensuring that pensioners do not face rent increases following future rent revisions, this Government is giving certainty, stability, reassurance, and security to thousands of elderly people who depend on their pension income. This is a measure of social justice that reflects the values that have always guided this Government.”
Minister Bonnici added that this measure would further strengthen the many initiatives that have been introduced over recent years to improve the quality of life of the elderly, including the increase in pensions for thirteen consecutive years, subsidies on water and electricity prices, the provision of affordable housing and social housing, as well as this latest measure, which is giving older people more financial security and more reassurance.