Housing Executive rents to increase by 3%

Housing Executive rents are to be increased by 3.1% for the year 2005/06, the Department for Social Development announced today.

The rent increase will apply from April 2005 and will add approximately £1.46 to the rent of a typical Housing Executive three-bedroom house, bringing the average weekly rent to £48.66, excluding rates.

More than three quarters of Housing Executive tenants receive housing benefit to pay some or all of their rent, however, the Department said it was conscious that there were some tenants, particularly older people with small occupational pensions, who do not qualify for housing benefit.

Thus, the Housing Executive has been asked to ensure that people living on the margins are not missing out on important benefit.

Housing Executive tenants will be advised shortly of their new weekly rent that will apply from April 2005.

(MB/SP)