Mallee Accommodation and Support Program (MASP) welcomes the Victorian Government’s move to reduce the rent paid in Affordable Housing and offer more secure housing for vulnerable members of the community.
The Victorian Government yesterday announced new settings for Victoria’s Affordable Housing Rental Scheme, which will make rent set at the lower of 30 per cent of the household’s income or 74.99 per cent of the market rate.
“This brings Affordable Housing in line with MASP’s current settings for our Social Housing properties – which we know from experience makes a big difference to those facing housing insecurity,” MASP CEO Charmaine Calis said.
“Early intervention tools such as stable housing helps reduce long term costs to the system and greatly improves a tenant’s quality of life, so we welcome any Government move to help more people into homes and keep them there.”
Previous Affordable Housing rent was set at 90 per cent of market rent or 30 per cent of the median household income. Under the Government changes, standard leases for Affordable Housing will also extend from three to five years.
“This offers stability and certainty for people and families who often don’t have it,” Mrs Calis said.
“These changes are great for those seeking affordable housing and will have a positive impact on the sector as a whole. MASP will continue to advocate for regional solutions to our housing crisis and work with Governments at all levels in order to see these solutions realised.”
