A Social Housing Story

From Post-War Beginnings
To Modern Communites

The Housing Authority was established on 11 October 1976 through Act XV of 1976, commonly known as The Housing Authority Act. It operates under the Ministry for Social and Affordable Accommodation.

Initially located at Auberge de Bavière in St Sebastian Street, Valletta, the Housing Authority moved its offices in 1991 to Pietro Floriani Street, Floriana, where it continues to provide services to this day.

Since its establishment, the Housing Authority’s roles and responsibilities have expanded significantly. In 2007, the Department of Social Housing and the Department of Housing Construction and Maintenance merged with the Housing Authority. To accommodate this growth, the premises in Floriana were extended to ensure operational efficiency. With the introduction of the Private Residential Leases Act in 2020, the Authority also became the regulator of Malta’s private residential rental market. Today, these functions are fully integrated, enabling the Housing Authority to support individuals and families in need of accommodation, assistance, and housing-related services.

The Housing Authority performs several key functions. It allocates social housing, offering a safety net for low-income households, and administers various schemes and incentives to enhance housing affordability. In addition to its regulatory responsibilities, it oversees the renovation and modernisation of social housing, ensuring regular repairs and maintenance to provide safe and improved living conditions. Furthermore, it collaborates with other entities to develop new social and affordable housing units, addressing evolving housing needs and fostering sustainable, inclusive communities.