Reviews of the rate of Income Related Rent

A client's calculated rate of Income Related Rent can be reviewed to check whether:

• it remains correct or
• a different rate should have been calculated from an earlier date

A review of the rate of Income Related Rent will be undertaken at least annually.

Additional reviews can be undertaken:

• when the client has a permanent change in circumstances or
• there is a permanent change in circumstances for other members of the household, including dependent children or
• when the client requests a review

At each review MSD must consider whether:

• another rate of Income Related Rent is more appropriate and
• it is appropriate to backdate a lower rate of Income Related Rent to an earlier date and establish a refund or
• a higher rate of Income Related Rent should have been applied from an earlier date and if it is appropriate to establish a debt from that date

The process for reviewing the rate of Income Related Rent involves:

• determining whether any change in circumstances of an applicable person is a permanent or temporary change
• checking if any change in circumstances of an applicable person has affected their assessable income, additional occupant contributions or household type
• calculating the rate of Income Related Rent
• deciding if the new rate of Income Related Rent should be activated and notified to the housing provider

Note that social housing providers will decide the date when the new rate should be applied (the rent effective date).