TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Deputy Minister of the Interior Tung Chien-hung (董建宏) claimed on Thursday (Aug. 29) that rent subsidies have not led to a general increase in rental prices. Tung emphasized that the subsidies have effectively reduced the housing burden for recipients by 40% to 50%.
Tung highlighted the importance of housing justice during a seminar on rental family support policies organized by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部). To better support renters across different age groups, the number of households receiving rent subsidies will increase from 500,000 to 750,000 starting next year. The estimated budget for this expansion is approximately NT$35 billion.
Addressing concerns about overpayments of rent subsidies, Tung explained that changes in applicants' qualifications caused these issues. The government has notified the affected applicants to return the excess funds.
The MOI plans to implement more streamlined and user-friendly measures to ensure the welfare of renters. This move aligns with the government's commitment to housing justice and its goal of alleviating the financial burden on tenants, authorities said.