Rents Will Not Rise For Pensioners In Territory Housing

Minister for Housing Rob Knight today ruled out any increase in Territory Housing pensioner rents as a result of the latest increases to the Federal pension.

“The Territory Government will continue to support pensioners renting through Territory Housing and the increase in pensioner payments under the Federal Budget will not lead to rises in rental prices for pensioners in public housing,” Mr Knight said.

“Territory Housing tenants whose income is higher than Territory Housing eligibility levels will have a rent increase but pensioners will not be affected by this decision.

“Territory Housing rents are reviewed annually in line with the Australian Valuation Office.  Rents will go up from October 19 by $10 per week for some Territory Housing tenants.

“This rise will not affect pensioners and those Territory Housing tenants who are on welfare, only those whose income is higher than the eligibility level as rent is calculated as a percentage of household income.

“Nine percent of tenants will be affected by this rent increase and Territory Housing sets the market rents based on independent assessments of the Australian Valuation Office.”

Territory Housing rents are well below the current market conditions and are capped at $20 per annum to avoid placing tenants under financial strain. 

The increase will come into affect from 19 October 2009 and effected tenants will be notified by Territory Housing.

Media contact: Katie Woolf 0420 972 505