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Information for Tenants & Service Users

Affordability  

PRHA Rents

PRHA recognises that affordability is one of the barriers for service users returning to work. Some service users feel that they are better off financially, receiving benefits as opposed to working. This is largely put down to the cost of rent.

When you work and earn over a certain amount, the amount of Housing Benefit that you are entitled to reduces. This means you are personally responsible for paying more rent.

In March 2007 PRHA reviewed all of its rents. We ensured that service users in bedsits and flats would be financially better off if they were earning £10,000 or more a year compared to being on benefits.

Hostels and rooms with catering provided will need to think carefully before starting work. This is because you will have to pay for the catering services provided. If earning £10,000 you will not be financially better off. 

PRHA's Employment Flats

PRHA has also redeveloped one of its services, providing 4 one-bedroom flats set at affordable rents. The flats are allocated to service users who have gained employment. The flats act as a bridge between living in self-contained supported housing to moving to independent private rented accommodation.

• The rents are set at affordable prices, to allow service users to be financially better off when employed.
• They are one bedroom flats. This helps to reduce disturbance that may affect a person's ability to keep a job, (for example for people in hostels a number of factors could contribute to lack of sleep).

The flats are the next step to independent living with a maximum stay of 2 years.

You are advised to seek alternative accommodation within one year of employment. This is because rents go up yearly and the increase may be greater than your salary increase.

For more information contact your keyworker.