Rent Increase FAQ's 2023

Rent and other charges we collect, are used to pay for the essential services we provide for our customers, such as repairs, improvements to your home, and grounds maintenance. You can see how our income was spent in 2021/22 in our Review of the Year.

If you rent one of our homes, it will be payable from the 03/04/23.

If you are a shared owner, your new rent is payable from 01/04/23.

We follow government guidance on how your rent is calculated. For 2023/24 a 7% rent increase was proposed, as shown in your notice.

We cannot discuss other accounts with you; however, differences can occur because of tenancy type or the rental history of your home.

If you are struggling to pay your rent, please let us know as soon as possible. Our team are here to help and will talk you through the support options available. For more information, please click here.

Service charges will also be increasing. If you pay a service charge, the new amount payable is outlined in your notice.

 We are here to support you. Our team can offer advice and connect you with other local agencies as appropriate. Please contact us.

You must inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any changes to your rent. Please update your Universal Credit online journal, or take this letter to your local Jobcentre Plus, AFTER 01/04/23. Submissions made before this date will be rejected and will need resubmitting after the rent increase in April.

When updating your rent amount, you will be asked about service charges; please use the figure outlined in your notice. For some customers this figure will be £0.00.

Your claim will automatically be recalculated from April 2023, based on your new rent amount.

You do not need to contact your local Council’s Housing Benefit section; we notify them on your behalf.

 We will automatically update your direct debit with the new rent amount, including any changes needed due to rent free weeks.

You will need to update your standing order in time for your first payment in April 2023.

Please speak to your bank if you are unsure how to do this.

The increase has been capped at 7%. If your rent includes service charges these will also be outlined in your notice. If you rent a garage or parking space from us, we will write to you separately with the new payment amount.

Please contact our Shared Ownership team by calling 01283 528528.

 Our new Customer Voice Strategy offers customers a range of ways to get involved and shape the services we provide. For more information, please visit our Louder & Stonger pages.

The letters are sent over several days. This year they will be posted out from Monday the 13th of Febuary 2023.

If you have not received your letter by the 24th of Febuary, please contact us.