Over 1,000 families benefit from the ‘Renting to assist’ scheme to date

The “(Renting to assist) scheme, which was introduced in 2017, will once again be extended, stated Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation, Roderick Galdes.

The Minister said that the Government, through the Housing Authority, is inviting private individuals to lease multiple properties to them. This initiative aims to facilitate the subleasing of these properties to individuals facing social needs. He mentioned that presently this scheme is providing a roof to over 1,000 families.

Landlords who rent their property to the Housing Authority will be benefiting from : Guaranteed rental rate for a duration of 10 years; Advance payment of rent for a period of 6 months; Tax exemption applicable to rental payments.

These details were announced during a press conference held in Paola, which locality has over 30 properties forming part of this scheme.

Minister Galdes said that the extension of this scheme goes hand-in-hand with the “unprecedented investment in social housing. Our aim is to further bolster the inventory of stateowned properties, enabling us to provide adequate housing to those individuals and families with social necessities.”

Minister Galdes also said that this scheme is part of multiple initiatives that are contributing to providing adequate housing for families. “When compared to previous years, the number of people waiting for social housing has decreased”, the Ministry said.

Affordable Housing Executive Head Mariella Cutajar said that the Housing Authority is determined to continue utilising such schemes whereby, in collaboration with the private sector, they provide families who are most in need with a suitable environment to live in.