Right to Acquire - for whom exactly?

JustAnotherDay23 · 23 September 2023 at 9:48PM

Hi All, I wonder if someone could clarify my confusion regarding the right to acquire scheme (RTA). Does anyone know for a fact if it applies to properties that are rented out by a housing association privately?

In my case, I am a privately paying (non-DSS) tenant under a so-called private rented scheme with a housing association. I am confused about whether I will be able to apply for RTA when I hit the three-year mark. I was not placed in this property through a local authority or other public scheme, I just applied directly to the HA. Is being in receipt of social welfare/on low income what makes a tenant ‘social’ or am I a social tenant because I am having a public body landlord? I believe it’s the latter but I stand to be corrected.

I understand that the primary policy purpose of RTA is to make it up to the HA tenants who have no right to buy but, at the same time, I see nothing in the legislation itself that would limit the RTA to social welfare claiming/low-income tenants. It only says the landlord has to be a public sector provider.

Also, in all fairness, my rent is slightly below the market rent and the estate comprises of privately rented, shared ownership and affordable rent properties. The purpose of this particular development was indeed to provide affordable housing in the area (as per official publications).

I will have met the type and length of tenancy criteria and the property was built post-1997 using a combination of funds from the local authority/city council. Does it mean I will potentially be eligible for RTA? I know that RTA has rather limited discounts but frankly, in this crazy market, every little helps! Any responses or suggestions on where to look for answers would be much appreciated.