Each property has a market rent, which is what you would pay if you rented privately from a real estate agent. 

The amount of rent you pay is based on an assessment of your household income and may be less than the market rent.

Your friend's rent depends on their personal circumstances, the market rent of their property and the housing program that they are in.

Sometimes a small, old home has a higher rent than a new home so you might pay more. This is because the home is in an area where more people want to live – maybe because it's close to schools, transport and shops.

You can read more about how rents are set in our Rent Policy.