Last summer we carried out a review of our current rent policy to see whether the rents we were charging were fair and affordable for our customers.
We surveyed over 2000 tenants to collect their feedback and, from the questions we asked, most people believed it would be fairer to base rent on the average income of lower earners in an area; in comparison to the desirability of an area and access to local transport links, shops and other services.
Following on from the research we carried out, using data from other Housing Associations, Welsh Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf council, we have chosen to use an affordability model called Living Rent.
Living Rent
The model is based on what is affordable for people by considering their income and living costs. To calculate this, we will use the average income of the lowest earners in an area which means our rents will still be affordable for people who work and for those who are on a low income.
Dan Hayes, Rent Account Manager at Trivallis, led on this project and believes this model is right for our customers and communities. He said: “We believe that Living Rents are fair as they vary depending on the average income of lower earners in each area of RCT. They also reflect the income of the smallest households that are typically allocated our properties.
“I’m really proud of the work that we did throughout 2018. I’d like to say thank you to the 2,500 customers and colleagues who helped deliver a new rent policy that is fair an affordable for our tenants.”
This new model will be introduced from 1st April 2019. We have written to all of our tenants to explain how this will affect them; the letter should arrive any day from Wednesday 20 February 2019.
To find out more about the Living Model and how it will affect you, visit our Fair Rent Review page. We have also included a list of FAQs which should answer any questions you may have.
Please feel free to get in touch by emailing: FairRentReview@trivallis.co.uk