Does anyone know if housing associations can charge 'affordable rent' 80 percent of market rent in expensive area (would be okay in cheaper area)to low income households? I know a family who were homeless then housed in £1300 a month, 1 bed housing association flat in Westminster , London while pregnant with twins ,1 month before due date. Household income was low and was always in need of housing benefit. Housing association Clarion say they can't help find a cheaper , 2 bed home anywhere in UK as they no longer do transfers apparently. They have told them to swap but other social tenants say their rent is too high so they are stuck. It seems that most housing providers who do these rents take into consideration household income and how expensive area is. Anyone know if their housing association can continue do this and if they were wrong for charging high rent at start and if there is anything they can do?