Fixed five-year public sector rent setting under consideration

Authorities being consulted by department

The introduction of fixed five-year rent-setting, to protect public sector housing tenants against 'significant increases', is being considered by the government.

Housing authorities are being consulted by the Department of Infrastructure over the proposed new policy, which it hopes to 'bring forward soon'.

A 2.1 per cent rise in rents is due in April this year.

Departmental member Julie Edge MHK says rents could be fixed over a five-year period using information gathered on future costs of all assets.

She believes introducing the policy could help commissioners, councillors and tenants plan ahead.