HOUSING provider West Devon Homes celebrated its third birthday last week with the announcement that rents are due to rise by only a tiny amount in the coming year.
From April, the majority of West Devon Homes' tenants will see rent rises of just 0.7%.
Tenants who moved into West Devon Homes property after the transfer of housing stock from the council in 1999 can expect rises of 1.7%.
Stuart Davies, WDH chief executive, said: 'We came into being as a direct result of tenants showing their confidence in West Devon Homes — and after three years, we continue to keep our promises.
Tony Halton, tenant board trustee, said: 'I am really pleased to see such small increases in rents, particularly as West Devon Homes has also doubled the amount of money spent on repairing and improving homes.'
During the current year, more than £1.6-million has been committed to improvement programmes to housing stock.
And even more is due to be spent next year. The company is earmarking £1.7-million for improvements to its houses, including 95 double glazing installations, 55 central heating systems, 39 new kitchens, 21 new bathrooms, 113 electrical upgrades and six roof replacements.