Rent Assistance

Public housing tenants facing temporary financial hardship can apply for
rent reduction under the Rent Assistance Scheme operated by the HA.
The scheme was first introduced in September 1992 and was last revised
in September 1996. In September 1996, the eligibility criteria for rent
assistance were relaxed to benefit more low-income households. A public
rental housing household whose income is below 50 per cent of the
Waiting List Income Limit, or whose income is between 50 and
60 per cent of the Waiting List Income Limit and whose rent-to-income
ratio exceeds 15 per cent, or whose rent-to-income ratio exceeds
25 per cent, is eligible for assistance. If eligible, the rent payable is
reduced by half for a maximum of two years. Up to November 1997,
2 981 families benefited from the Rent Assistance Scheme.

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