Pensioners living in Housing Authority accommodation will no longer face rent increases following future rent review exercises, the government has said.

The measure takes effect immediately and means that once a tenant's rent has been calculated on the basis that they are a pensioner, it will remain unchanged during subsequent reviews carried out by the Housing Authority.

The policy amendment will also apply to pensioners whose rent has already been recalculated during the authority's current review exercise, to ensure equal treatment among eligible households.

The Housing Ministry said the additional safeguard was introduced to protect older tenants who depend primarily on pension income.

It said recent changes to the rent calculation system had already resulted in fairer assessments for tenants, but further protection was considered necessary for pensioners.

Housing and Lands Minister Owen Bonnici said the decision would provide greater financial certainty and security to thousands of older people living in Housing Authority properties.

"By ensuring that pensioners do not face increases in their rent following future reviews, this government is providing certainty, stability, peace of mind and security to thousands of elderly people who depend on their pension income," Bonnici said.

He described the policy as a social justice measure intended to make a practical difference in pensioners' daily lives.

The minister said the measure followed other initiatives aimed at supporting older people, including pension increases, subsidies on water and electricity prices and the provision of affordable and social housing.