Land ministry revises public housing rules for senior tenants

The land ministry revised public-housing rules to allow household members younger than 65 who inherit a senior welfare housing lease to renew it once after a tenant's death, even if they would otherwise fail qualification rules. Minors may renew leases until adulthood.

The changes also allow duration of residence in the area where a senior welfare housing project is built to serve as a priority factor in tenant selection when candidates of equal priority or in the same income category compete. Applicants chosen under the priority criteria must meet asset requirements for public rental housing.

The amendment cites shortcomings identified in operating the current system as the reason for the changes. It follows the enactment of a special law establishing the Jeonnam-Gwangju integrated special city.

The integrated special city mayor may entrust specialized public rental housing operations to social enterprises, cooperatives, nonprofit corporations, public-interest corporations and schools, as well as other organizations designated by the land minister as having the needed personnel. The mayor must consider an applicant's business plan, operating capacity and housing-welfare project record when selecting an operator.

The amended rules take effect immediately; the tenant-selection provisions apply to public rental housing recruitment notices issued thereafter.