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Ross-shire headquartered Albyn Housing Society freezes rent increases for six months to aid tenants during Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic


By Philip Murray

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Lisa Buchanan, Chief Executive of Albyn Housing.
Lisa Buchanan, Chief Executive of Albyn Housing.

A HIGHLAND housing society has announced an instant freeze on rent increases for all of its tenants in a bid to ease financial hardship caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

In response to the current pandemic, Albyn Housing Society, which has its headquarters in Invergordon, said it had taken "unprecedented steps to support its tenants at this challenging and uncertain time".

The rent freeze applies to all tenants across all tenancy types.

Chairwoman Maxine Smith, who is also a Highland councillor for the Cromarty Firth ward, said: “Recent weeks have brought much uncertainty to householders across the country, even more so for those tenants in socially rented homes. We wanted to take steps that would ensure support for all our tenants and that is why we have announced that the planned rent increase due to take effect from April 1 will be suspended for a period of six months.

"We hope that this step will pass on savings to all householders as the passage of time reveals the extent of the economic impact of the current crisis.”

In addition to the six-month suspension of the rent increase, Albyn’s senior management have also announced the creation of a hardship fund targeted specifically at those who will feel the economic impact of the crisis most acutely. Combined these measures amount to approximately £400,000 which will be found from this year’s budget.

Speaking of the measures, Chief Executive Lisa Buchanan said: “In less than a fortnight we have been under increasing pressure to change completely the face of how we do business.

"While this change process gets under way, we want to send a strong message to our tenants that lets people know we care about the hardship many tenants will experience once they and their families have tended to their immediate health needs arising from the coronavirus.

"We have been receiving reports of immediate job losses, a reduction in hours and increased childcare costs, all of which impact people’s ability to pay their rent. It is important for us as a Registered Social Landlord to listen and respond to the concerns reported to us. We hope that these measures demonstrate our genuine concern for tenants at this time.”

The measures will be reviewed again in six months’ time, or sooner if required. If anyone requires further information on the assessment criteria or application process for the hardship fund, they should speak to their housing officer and keep an eye on the Albyn website and social media channels.

Albyn is also keen to spread word of these measures to tenants who may not be using social media and are reliant on postal communications.

They advise that tenants who rely on postal communications will experience a slight delay due to the current restrictions in place on movement of staff.

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