Housing Executive rent in NI to increase for first time in five years

By Michael McHugh

Housing Executive rents are to go up by 2.7%.

The average weekly increase from April will be £1.79.

This is the first hike for five years, a spokesman for the public housing body said.

He added: "The new rent levels will be effective from 6 April 2020 and will bring the average rent for a Housing Executive home to £68.27 a week, excluding rates."

He said rents continue to remain much lower than local housing associations in Northern Ireland and close to £30 a week less than the average rent for social housing accommodation in England.

"For the first time in five years, the Housing Executive will raise our levels of rent with an increase of 2.7% for 2020/2021 and, on average, it means a weekly addition of £1.79."

He added: "Given the Consumer Price Index has risen by around 8% since our last rise in 2015, this lift of 2.7% is relatively modest and will go directly to support our services."

Tenants are being informed of their new rent levels this month.

Approximately 75% of tenants receive full or partial housing benefit support or Universal Credit towards their rent.

The Housing Executive manages around 84,000 homes across Northern Ireland.

It encouraged tenants, whether in the private or social sector, who are having difficulty paying their rent to seek advice from their local Housing Executive office.