Applications for the Housing Authority’s Skema Kiri (Rental Scheme) will be received as from tomorrow between 1.30 and 3.30pm. A good number of private property owners have already shown interest in the initiative launched a month ago, the Housing Authority said yesterday.

A number of property owners attended an information session at the Phoenicia Hotel yesterday morning.

Housing Authority Chairman Charles Borg began the meeting by explaining the main objectives of this scheme and how it is aimed to satisfy the high demand for ‘social accommodation’.

Architect Andre’ Pizzuto, Executive Head of the Department of Property Services, explained the scheme’s conditions in more detail.

Only the property owner or the perpetual leaseholder can offer their property, and the property must be finished and ready to move into. The architect also explained how one needs to apply and mentioned the advantages the property owners can benefit from, including rent guarantee for 10 years, secure rental income through the Housing Authority which will be directly renting properties, and also the advantageous withholding tax rate of five per cent instead of the maximum 35 per cent.

Chief Executive Officer Albert Buttigieg said that property owners could put their minds at rest about the tenants, as the Housing Authority will allocate properties. The lease contract, which will be signed by the Authority and the tenant, was explained to those present for the meeting.

At first all properties will be offered for a one-year period and the contract can be renewed for three years. Thus the Authority will be able to stop the lease to those tenants who do not comply with their obligations of maintenance and performance. The tenants will also be asked to pay a deposit to cover any damages that may occur at the end of the lease. The Authority shall be responsible to repair any damages.

Applications for Skema Kiri are to be handed in at the Authority’s Customer Care. The time window closes on 30 April. The Authority will give a fast track appointment to property owners who would like to lease more than 10 apartments.

For further information visit www.skemakiri.com or call 2299 1000.