Housing Executive rents increase announced

Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has approved a rent increase for Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants which equates to around £3.64 a week.
~ Wednesday, 18 January 2012

The average weekly increase for tenants will be 6.6%. This increase will bring the average Housing Executive rent to £58.76 a week, excluding rates, and will be around £19.73 a week less than the average rent for similar local authority accommodation in England where an 8% increase will be applied.

The Housing Executive’s stock is regarded as the best maintained social housing in the UK, and rental income generated needs to be sufficient to maintain accommodation at the standard expected by tenants and allow for adequate investment in the stock.

Almost 80% of Housing Executive tenants will not have to pay this additional sum as they are on housing benefit.

The Minister has also asked Housing Associations to impose lower rent increases to that agreed for NIHE to bring more conformity to social housing rent levels. The average weekly rent for a housing association tenant in Northern Ireland is £69.32.

Notes to editors:

1. The new rate will come into effect on 1 April 2012.
2. The Housing Executive encourages tenants, either in the private or social sector, who are having difficulty paying their rent to seek advice from their local District Office as their level of income may entitle them to claim Housing Benefit.
3. For further information, contact the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9494. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.