Mid-Market Rent: Applicant Eligibility Criteria
SFHA summary of Scottish Government guidance on what criteria is acceptable/unacceptable to stipulate for Mid-Market Rent allocations. September 2023.
SFHA is aware there is varying practice around the eligibility requirements RSLs are advertising for their Mid-Market Rental (MMR) properties. We are issuing this brief summary of Scottish Government guidance to clarify what common stipulations are acceptable and which violate More Homes’ guidance.
SFHA recognises the unique role of MMR and its purpose in prioritising individuals and families who cannot access private market housing or social housing. So, while it is important that RSLs are able to target MMR stock for specific needs and populations within their communities, Affordable Housing Supply Grant Guidance (which applies to social landlords’ mid-market properties), addresses some of these criteria to safeguard against tenant discrimination. The brief note below is a reference to these requirements. In summary, we remind members that:
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RSLs may stipulate minimum and/or maximum income levels for MMR applicants
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RSLs cannot stipulate employment requirements for applicants
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RSLs cannot discriminate against sources of income (e.g, cannot discriminate against income from social security contributions)
View SFHA's full guidance note here.
For questions or further discussion, please contact Annabel Pidgeon: apidgeon@sfha.co.uk.