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    Types of rent

    We provide affordable housing, which is defined as social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, to eligible households who may struggle to meet prices in the open market.

    We also provide shared ownership housing to help people into home ownership in manageable stages.

    As a social landlord our rents are our main income. We also recognise that for our tenants this may be their main outgoing. We therefore aim:

    • to set our rents in a fair, open and transparent way, in accordance with the policy statement on rents for social housing issued by Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the rent standard.
    • to keep rents as affordable as possible, while allowing West Kent to meet its financial commitments.
    • to ensure that our rents are competitive and give our tenants good value for money.

    The types of rent we offer are:

    • Social rents (general needs, supported, emerald, homeless hostel and intermediate rent)

      Social rented housing is owned by local authorities, housing associations and some private registered providers. It is available to eligible households based on local housing register rules. Guideline target rents are set through the national rent regime.

      Rent is below the level of rents in the private rental sector for the local area. We set rent levels using a formula determined by government. Social rents are charged weekly.

      Find out more about social renting here.

    • Affordable rents

      Affordable rented housing is let by local authorities, housing associations and some private registered providers, to households who are eligible for social housing based on local housing register rules. It is subject to statutory rent controls.

      Rent can be no more than 80 per cent of the market rent for the local area (inclusive of any service charges) considering the individual characteristics of the property, such as its location and size. We review against the market each time we relet the home. Affordable rents are charged weekly.

      Find out more about social renting here.

    • Intermediate market rents

      Intermediate market rent is designed to help working households who can’t afford to buy or rent a home on the open market or aren’t eligible for social rented housing. We review against the market each time we relet the home. Rent is charged above social rents, but below market levels.

      Rent is based on the average local market rate for the type of property and set at 80% of this figure (exclusive of service charge). Intermediate market rents are charged monthly.

    • Shared ownership

      When buying a home outright isn’t an option, this scheme offers an alternative to renting. You buy an initial share in a new home that you can afford, helping you into home ownership in manageable stages. Initial shares of between 25% - 75% of the full purchase price are available with a subsidised rent being paid on the remaining share West Kent still owns. The combined monthly cost of mortgage and rent will normally be less than if you were buying the property outright.

      Find out more about shared ownership here.