Do I have to adjust my direct debit/ standing order with my bank?
If you pay by direct debit, you don’t need to do anything. We’ll automatically adjust your direct debit.
If you pay by standing order, you’ll need to change this with your bank.
Do I need to notify the council or DWP about this change?
If you currently receive Housing Benefit and it’s paid directly to us, we‘ve already told your local authority about your new rent and charges - you don’t need to do anything.
If it’s paid to you, you’ll need to let your local authority know so they can recalculate your payments.
If you receive help for housing costs in your Universal Credit, you must let the DWP know about your rent change on or after the date of your rent increase (i.e. 1 April or 3 April), not before. We’ll send you a text reminder from 3 April. Please use the ‘confirm your housing costs’ form, which will appear as a ‘to-do’ on your online journal from 1 April. You can find guidance on this here.
How can I get support for paying the new amount?
Our teams are on hand to support you. We may be able to help with:
- Managing your rent
- Housing Benefit / Universal Credit claims
- Discretionary payments
- Welfare benefit advice and calculations, making sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
- One-to-one money guidance and budgeting
- Addressing long-term debts and the root causes of debt
- Signposting to qualified Debt Advisers for unsecured or consumer debts
- Employment support – accessing jobs, skills and training for you and your household members
- Reducing your energy bills
- Increasing your confidence with managing finances in the digital world
- Securing grants and urgent funds if you’re in financial crisis
- Securing essential household items such as cookers and washing machines
- Wellbeing and other support needs.
I pay monthly – how do I calculate my new payments?
Multiply your new weekly rent by 52, then divide by 12.
What if I'm unable to afford the increase?
Our priority is to support you to maintain your tenancy and not to fall into arrears. We‘ve dedicated Income and Financial Inclusion teams, trained to help you maximise your benefits and manage your money. Please take advantage of this service now to help you prepare for the rent increase.
You can also find out what financial help you may be entitled to by completing our Money Planner.
For support, look at our cost-of-living pages. You can also call 0800 121 60 60 or email.
Independently, you can get free advice and support from your local Citizens Advice, or from StepChange if you’re struggling with debts.
What if I refuse to pay?
We appreciate you may be unhappy about the increase. However you must pay your rent and/or service charges under the terms of your tenancy or lease. If you don’t pay your full rent and/or service charges, arrears will build up and we’ll take action to recover this. You may end up facing more debt and court costs, making things even more difficult. If you have concerns about affordability, our Income and Financial Inclusion teams want to help.
What is the timescale for this rent and/or service charge increase?
Your rent and/or service charge will change from 3 April 2023 (1 April if you’re a Shared Owner or Leaseholder). We'll write to you in February to let you know what your individual rent and service charge will be. This will give you at least one month’s notice for the change.
Why are my service charges increasing?
Your service charge covers the cost of services we provide to you, your block and/or estate. With your rent increase letter, you’ll receive a breakdown of your service charges. This will show you exactly how much you pay for each service and where there has been an increase in the cost to provide this service. Due to inflation, the cost of providing many of our services has increased.
Some increases may be due to the requirement for enhanced fire safety measures, introduced since the Grenfell tragedy. Your safety is our number-one priority. We’ve an obligation to meet fire safety regulations, follow Government guidelines and ensure our buildings meet the highest standards.
Why is my rent increasing?
Every year we review rents in line with government legislation. We’re raising rent as we want to continue delivering good quality services to you. This includes repairing, maintaining and improving your home. We also want to invest in our homes and neighbourhoods and plan for future generations.
This year the rent increase is capped at 7 per cent, which is below the current level of inflation.