Leading social housing provider in strath announces rent freeze

An announcement by a leading social housing provider that they will be freezing rents for six months because of the coronavrius outbreak has been welcomed in the strath.

Albyn Housing Society said was taking unprecedented steps to support its tenants at this challenging and uncertain time.

Specifically, it has announced a rent increase freeze for all tenants across all tenancy types.

Chairperson Maxine Smith said: “Recent weeks have brought much uncertainty to householders across the country, even more so for those tenants in socially rented homes.

"We wanted to take steps that would ensure support for all our tenants and that is why we have announced that the planned rent increase due to take effect from April 1 2020 will be suspended for a period of six months.

"We hope that this step will pass on savings to all householders as the passage of time reveals the extent of the economic impact of the current

crisis.”

In addition to the six-month suspension of the rent increase, Albyn’s senior management have also announced the creation of a hardship fund targeted specifically at those who will feel the economic impact of the crisis most acutely.

Combined these measures, Albyn Housing Society has said, amount to approximately £400,000 which will be found from this year’s budget.

The housing society's chief executive Lisa Buchanan said: “In less than a fortnight we have been under increasing pressure to change completely

the face of how we do business.

"While this change process gets under way, we want to send a strong message to our tenants that lets people know we care about the hardship many tenants will experience once they and their families have tended to their immediate health needs arising from the coronavirus.

"We have been receiving reports of immediate job losses, a reduction in hours and increased childcare costs, all of which impact people’s ability to pay their rent.

"It is important for us as a Registered Social Landlord to listen and respond to the concerns reported to us. We hope that these measures demonstrate our genuine concern for tenants at this time.”

The measures will be reviewed again in six months’ time, or sooner if required.

Joe Kirby, is an Albyn Housing Society resident in Aviemore as well as a member of the village's community council.

Speaking in a personal capacity, he said: "It's a bold positive move by Albyn during these times, however, like everything with Covid-19 things change on a daily basis and I would ask Albyn to go that one step further and look at the service charge and standing charge for heating and some relief with that.

"I would imagine completing any services in the current climate is extremely difficult and with people being in their houses longer the cost of heating will increase.

"I'm sure all the residents will agree the rent freeze is a benefit at the moment and would urge Albyn to consider these other measures in addition to their current and very welcome announcement on rent levels."

Albyn is also keen to spread word of these measures to tenants who may not be using social media and are reliant on postal communications.

They advise that tenants who rely on postal communications will experience a slight delay due to the current restrictions in place on movement

of staff.

If anyone requires further information on the assessment criteria or application process for the hardship fund, they should speak to their housing officer and keep an eye on the Albyn website and social media channels.

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