Choose your housing type:
Rent increase
How much is my rent increasing by?
Your rent will be increasing by 7.7% this year. You’ll receive your rent booklet by post in February. Each year, we calculate your rent based on rules set by the government. This is usually based on the Consumer Price Index for September, plus 1%.
Why is my rent increasing?
Each year, we calculate your rent based on rules set by the government. More information about how rent levels are calculated is on our website.
When will my rent increase?
The rent increases in April of each year when the new financial year begins. As usual, you will receive details of your rent increase in February. If you pay by direct debit you will receive a subsequent letter confirming the new amount you will have to pay. If you pay by any other means you will have to ensure that you change your payments to ensure that your rent continues to be paid in full.
Housing benefit and Universal Credit?
If you receive Housing Benefit, you are responsible for telling your local council about the change in your rent. Where possible we’ll try to give this information to councils but we cannot guarantee this so it’s better that you get in touch with them directly. If you receive Universal Credit, you are responsible for informing the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) about changes to your rent. You can do this through your Universal Credit Journal, but only from the actual date that your rent changes.
I’m finding it difficult to pay my rent. What should I do?
If you’re finding it difficult to pay your rent, please contact your Income Officer as soon as possible on 0800 432 0077. There are many ways we can support you to get – and keep – your finances under control, including:
- Help applying for Universal Credit
- Advice on how to manage your money and avoid debt
- Help claiming other benefits or support you may be entitled to.
- It’s always better to contact us sooner rather than later, and we look forward to talking with you.
Service charge increase
What are service charges?
Service charges cover the cost to provide services and repairs to shared areas in your building and outside spaces.
Why is my service charge increasing?
In February, we’ll be sending you the detailed amount of your service charge for 2024/25 where this is relevant to your individual circumstances. This will be how much we expect it to cost to provide services to shared areas in your building and outside spaces.
We expect service charges for 2024/25 to increase for costs such as cleaning, grounds and lift maintenance. This is as a result of a 6.7% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the UK, as of September 2023.
We’ve also made changes to the way we calculate some aspects of your service charge. This is to make sure the amount charged is more specific to your development (more information below).
Calculating service charges
In the past, when reviewing service charges, we’ve looked at the previous year’s expenditure and increased costs in line with inflation.
For 2024/25 we’ve changed the way we calculate your service charge for some specific services to increase accuracy. This is because the costs for delivering them can vary significantly each year, depending on the need for them where you live.
We’re now basing our estimates on the average costs for your development over the last 3 years for the following services:
1. Bin contamination
2. Pest control
3. Bulk refuse
We want to reassure you that as a not-for-profit housing association, we do not make any profit from service charges and always seek best value for money on behalf of our customers.
Communal utility costs
We’re working with a specialist broker to secure utility costs (gas, water and electricity) at the lowest available rate.
When will I receive more information?
You’ll receive the detailed amount of your rent and service charge for 2024/25 in February where this is relevant to your personal circumstances. If you’d like to speak to us about your rent and service charge, please wait until after you’ve received your rent and service charge booklet in February to get in touch.
This will contain a full breakdown of your individual costs. We’ll answer your questions after we’ve sent your booklet in February.
When will I start to pay for the service charge increase?
This will start from April 2024.
Do I have to update my direct debit?
No, Direct Debits will be updated automatically to reflect the new amount. If you pay by direct debit, you will receive a subsequent letter confirming the new amount you will have to pay. This letter will also set out when your direct debit will change.
Do I need to update my standing order or bank transfer?
Yes, you will need to make changes to your standing order or bank transfer once you know what the service charge will be.
Will you let Universal Credit know my new charges?
No. You will need to let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/Universal Credit know, but only do this after the date the new charge.
What if I am on Housing Benefit?
You will need to advise your local authority or council of the new amount.
How are you making sure that you are getting value for money for services?
We are committed to providing high quality services that offer our residents value for money. We take great care in making sure we select high quality service providers that offer a fair price. We have in place strict procurement procedures and our contractors are selected following a rigorous tender process. Our top priority is to ensure we are getting the best value for money, without compromising on service quality.
Can I query my service charge?
Service charges are reviewed ahead of sharing with our customers and we’re confident they are correct. However, if you'd like to query your service charge, please complete the form in My Account.
Where can I go for advice or support?
- Visit our dedicated Money Matters page for more information on how we can support you with increases to the cost of living.
- Cost of living information: Take a look at our Cost of Living information
- Financial support: Our Tenancy Sustainment Team is here to support with benefit advice, money management and budgeting. Find out more about help available if you are worried about money. You can also fill in our online form.
- If you want independent advice you can contact the Money Advice Service. Its website has helpful information about money-related topics. Or call them for free on 0300 500 5000.
Further information:
Service charge increase
Service charges cover the cost to provide services and repairs to shared areas in your building and outside spaces.
Why is my service charge likely to increase?
We expect service charges for 2024/25 to increase for costs such as cleaning, grounds and lift maintenance. This is as a result of a 6.7% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the UK, as of September 2023.
We’ve also made changes to the way we calculate some aspects of your service charge. This is to make sure the amount charged is more specific to your development (more information below).
Calculating service charges
In the past, when reviewing service charges, we’ve looked at the previous year’s expenditure and increased costs in line with inflation.
For 2024/25 we’ve changed the way we calculate your service charge for some specific services to increase accuracy. This is because the costs for delivering them can vary significantly each year, depending on the need for them where you live.
We’re now basing our estimates on the average costs for your development over the last 3 years for the following services:
1. Bin contamination
2. Pest control
3. Bulk refuse
We want to reassure you that as a not-for-profit housing association, we do not make any profit from service charges and always seek best value for money on behalf of our customers.
Buildings insurance
This year, when you receive your estimate, you’ll see an increase in building insurance premiums. This is because of a decrease in the number of insurers providing cover due to rising claim costs and building safety requirements.
Our estimate this year has been based on arrangements with our current insurer, allowing for a rise in inflation and rate increases. However, we would like to reassure you that we are working hard to find the best the market has to offer and are actively reviewing options ahead of our renewal this year.
New building safety costs - only applicable if your building is over 18m or 7 storeys in height
In line with the government’s Building Safety Act 2022, we have to meet certain legal requirements to keep the buildings we own safe (for buildings over 18m or 7 storeys in height).
Unlike cladding repairs, the costs for these new requirements are the responsibility of homeowners and can be recharged through service charges.
This includes assessing and managing fire and building safety risks. We’ve also registered all our tall buildings with the Building Safety Regulator. These costs will be clearly set out in your estimate, under ‘Building Safety.’
Communal utility costs
We’re working with a specialist broker to secure utility costs (gas, water and electricity) at the lowest available rate.
When will I receive more information?
You’ll receive the detailed amount of your estimated service charge for 2024/25 in February. This will be a calculation of how much we expect it to cost to provide services and repairs to shared areas in your building and outside spaces. If you’d like to speak to us about your rent and estimated service charge, please wait until after you’ve received your rent and estimated service charge booklet in February to get in touch.
This will contain a full breakdown of your costs. We’re still finalising your service charge estimate and we’ll answer your questions after we’ve sent your booklet in February.
Why are there estimated service charges?
We will not know the actual cost of all services over the period until these services have been used and realised. Until that time has passed, and the costs incurred, we can only provide an estimate.
At the end of each financial year we compare the actual costs and the estimate. If the estimate was lower, you'll need to pay the difference. If the estimate was higher than the actual cost, we'll credit your customer account. We'll send you an income & expenditure account to explain all the actual costs.
When will I start to pay for the service charge increase?
This will start from April 2024.
Do I have to update my direct debit?
No, Direct Debits will be updated automatically to reflect the new amount. If you pay by direct debit, you will receive a subsequent letter confirming the new amount you will have to pay. This letter will also set out when your direct debit will change.
Do I need to update my standing order or bank transfer?
Yes, you will need to make changes to your standing order or bank transfer once you know what the service charge will be.
Will you let Universal Credit know my new charges?
No. You will need to let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/Universal Credit know, but only do this after the date the new charge takes effect.
What if I am on Housing Benefit?
You will need to advise your local council of the new amount.
How are you making sure that you are getting value for money for services?
We are committed to providing high quality services that offer our residents value for money. We take great care in making sure we select high quality service providers that offer a fair price. We have in place strict procurement procedures and our contractors are selected following a rigorous tender process. Our top priority is to ensure we are getting the best value for money, without compromising on service quality.
Can I query my service charge?
Please note, your service charge will remain an estimate until it is confirmed when you receive your actual service charge in September 2025.
If you'd like to query your service charge, please complete the form in My Account.
Where can I go for advice or support?
- Visit our dedicated Money Matters page for more information on how we can support you with increases to the cost of living.
- Cost of living information: Take a look at our Cost of Living information
- Financial support: Our Tenancy Sustainment Team is here to support with benefit advice, money management and budgeting. Find out more about help available if you are worried about money. You can also fill in our online form.
- If you want independent advice you can contact the Money Advice Service. Its website has helpful information about money-related topics. Or call them for free on 0300 500 5000.
Further information:
Rent increase
How much is my rent increasing by?
As a key worker resident, your rent will increase in line with the agreement that we have in place with your NHS Trust.
If you live in a scheme where we don’t have an agreement in place with the local NHS Trust, your rent will increase in line with inflation.
We’ll send you full details of the increase in your rent and service charge booklet that will arrive by post in February.
Please note, many keyworker rents are inclusive of energy costs which have increased significantly in the past year, meaning that we have to pay more for lighting, electricity and heating in your home. We’ll also be paying around 7% more for services such as cleaning and gardening in and around your building. This is as a result of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the UK, being set at 6.7%, as of September 2023.
What support is available?
We understand this is a difficult time for many of our customers, so we want to advise you of the information and support available to you:
- On-site staff: If your home is part of a scheme with on-site staff, please speak to them if you have any questions or concerns. They’ll also be able to signpost you to support and advice
- Visit our dedicated Money Matters page for more information on how we can support you with increases to the cost of living.
- Cost of living information: Take a look at our Cost of Living information
- Financial support: Our Tenancy Sustainment Team is here to support with benefit advice, money management and budgeting. Find out more about help available if you are worried about money. You can also fill in our online form.
Can I query my rent increase?
If you have questions about your rent increase, please wait until after you’ve received your booklet in February to get in touch.
This will contain a full breakdown of your individual costs. On-site staff or your Housing Officer will be able to answer your questions after we’ve sent your booklet in February.
Further information:
Rent increase
How much is my rent increasing by?
Depending on your lease agreement, your rent will increase between 8.9% and 9.4% this year.
Each year, shared ownership rents usually rise in line with the Retail Price Index which is published in September. Some leases allow for an increase of Retail Price Index only (8.9%) and others allow an additional 0.5% to be added (9.4%).
We’ll send you full details of the increase in your rent and service charge booklet that will arrive by post in February.
When will my rent increase?
The rent increases in April of each year when the new financial year begins.
I’m finding it difficult to pay my rent. What should I do?
If you’re finding it difficult to pay your rent, please contact your Income Officer as soon as possible on 0800 432 0077. There are many ways we can support you to get – and keep – your finances under control, including:
- Help applying for Universal Credit
- Advice on how to manage your money and avoid debt
- Help to find additional support that might be available to you.
It’s always better to contact us sooner rather than later, and we look forward to talking with you.
Service charge increase
What are service charges?
Service charges cover the cost to provide services and repairs to shared areas in your building and outside spaces.
Why is my service charge likely to increase?
We expect service charges for 2024/25 to increase due to:
- Significant rises in insurance costs.
- Increased costs for services such as cleaning, grounds and lift maintenance, as a result of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the UK, being set at 6.7%, as of September 2023.
We’ve also made changes to the way we calculate some aspects of your service charge. This is to make your estimate more specific to your development (more information below).
Calculating service charges
In the past, when reviewing service charges, we’ve looked at the previous year’s expenditure and increased costs in line with inflation.
For 2024/25 we’ve changed the way we calculate your service charge estimate for some specific services to increase accuracy. This is because the costs for delivering them can vary significantly each year, depending on the need for them where you live.
We’re now basing our estimates on the average costs for your development over the last 3 years for the following services:
1. Bin contamination
2. Pest control
3. Bulk refuse
4. Communal repairs
We want to reassure you that as a not-for-profit housing association, we only recover our actual costs for providing these services. We do not make any profit from service charges and will always seek best value for money on behalf of our customers.
Buildings insurance
This year, when you receive your estimate, you’ll see an increase in building insurance premiums.
This is because of a decrease in the number of insurers providing cover due to rising claim costs and building safety requirements.
Our estimate this year is based on arrangements with our current insurer, allowing for a rise in inflation and rate increases. However, we would like to reassure you that we are working hard to find the best the market has to offer and are actively reviewing options ahead of our renewal this year.
New building safety costs - only applicable if your building is over 18m or 7 storeys in height
In line with the government’s Building Safety Act 2022, we have to meet certain legal requirements to keep the buildings we own safe (for buildings over 18m or 7 storeys in height).
Unlike cladding repairs, the costs for these new requirements are the responsibility of homeowners and can be recharged through service charges.
This includes assessing and managing fire and building safety risks. We’ve also registered all our tall buildings with the Building Safety Regulator. These costs will be clearly set out in your estimate, under ‘Building Safety.’
Communal utility costs
We’re working with a specialist broker to secure utility costs (gas, water and electricity) at the lowest available rate.
When will I receive more information?
You’ll receive the detailed amount of your estimated service charge for 2024/25 in February. This will be a calculation of how much we expect it to cost to provide services and repairs to shared areas in your building and outside spaces. If you’d like to speak to us about your rent and estimated service charge, please wait until after you’ve received your rent and estimated service charge booklet in February to get in touch.
This will contain a full breakdown of your costs. We’re still finalising your service charge estimate and we’ll answer your questions after we’ve sent your booklet in February.
Why are there estimated service charges?
We will not know the actual cost of all services over the period until these services have been used and realised. Until that time has passed, and the costs incurred, we can only provide an estimate. At the end of each financial year we compare the actual costs and the estimate. If the estimate was lower, you'll need to pay the difference. If the estimate was higher than the actual cost, we'll credit your customer account. We'll send you an income & expenditure account to explain all the actual costs.
When will I start to pay for the service charge increase?
This will start from April 2024.
Do I have to update my direct debit?
No, Direct Debits will be updated automatically to reflect the new amount. If you pay by direct debit, you will receive a subsequent letter confirming the new amount you will have to pay. This letter will also set out when your direct debit will change.
Do I need to update my standing order or bank transfer?
Yes, you will need to make changes to your standing order or bank transfer once you know what the service charge will be.
Will you let Universal Credit know my new charges?
No. You will need to let the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)/Universal Credit know, but only do this after the date the new charge takes effect.
What if I am on Housing Benefit?
You will need to advise your local council of the new amount.
How are you making sure that you are getting value for money for services?
We are committed to providing high quality services that offer our residents value for money. We take great care in making sure we select high quality service providers that offer a fair price. We have in place strict procurement procedures and our contractors are selected following a rigorous tender process. Our top priority is to ensure we are getting the best value for money, without compromising on service quality.
Can I query my service charge?
Please note, your service charge will remain an estimate until it is confirmed when you receive your actual service charge in September 2025.
If you'd like to query your service charge, please complete the form in My Account.
Where can I go for advice or support?
- Visit our dedicated Money Matters page for more information on how we can support you with increases to the cost of living.
- Cost of living information: Take a look at our Cost of Living information
- Financial support: Our Tenancy Sustainment Team is here to support with benefit advice, money management and budgeting. Find out more about help available if you are worried about money. You can also fill in our online form.
- If you want independent advice you can contact the Money Advice Service. Its website has helpful information about money-related topics. Or call them for free on 0300 500 5000.
Further information:
Rent increase
How much is my rent increasing by?
Depending on the type of housing you live in, your rent will increase between 7% and 11.1%. We’ll send you full details of the increase in your rent and service charge booklet that will arrive by post in February.
When will my rent increase?
The rent increases in April of each year when the new financial year begins.
Service charge increase
What are service charges?
Service charges cover the cost to provide services and repairs to shared areas in your building and outside spaces.
Why is my service charge increasing?
We expect service charges for 2024/25 to increase due to:
- Significant rises in insurance costs.
- Increased costs for services such as cleaning, grounds and lift maintenance, as a result of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the UK, being set at 6.7%, as of September 2023.
We’ve also made changes to the way we calculate some aspects of your service charge. This is to make your estimate more specific to your development (more information below).
Calculating service charges
In the past, when reviewing service charges, we’ve looked at the previous year’s expenditure and increased costs in line with inflation. For 2024/25 we’ve changed the way we calculate your service charge estimate for some specific services to increase accuracy. This is because the costs for delivering them can vary significantly each year, depending on the need for them where you live.
We’re now basing our estimates on the average costs for your development over the last 3 years for the following services:
1. Bin contamination
2. Pest control
3. Bulk refuse
4. Communal repairs
We want to reassure you that as a not-for-profit housing association, we only recover our actual costs for providing these services. We do not make any profit from service charges and will always seek best value for money on behalf of our customers.
Buildings insurance
This year, when you receive your estimate, you’ll see an increase in building insurance premiums.
This is because of a decrease in the number of insurers providing cover due to rising claim costs and building safety requirements.
Our estimate this year is based on arrangements with our current insurer, allowing for a rise in inflation and rate increases. However, we would like to reassure you that we are working hard to find the best the market has to offer and are actively reviewing options ahead of our renewal this year.
Communal utility costs
We’re working with a specialist broker to secure utility costs (gas, water and electricity) at the lowest available rate.
When will I receive more information?
In February we’ll be sending the detailed amount of your service charge for 2024/25.
What support is available?
We understand this is a difficult time for many of our customers, so we want to advise you of the information and support available to you:
- On-site staff: If your home is part of a scheme with on-site staff, please speak to them if you have any questions or concerns. They’ll also be able to signpost you to support and advice
- Visit our dedicated Money Matters page for more information on how we can support you with increases to the cost of living.
- Cost of living information: Take a look at our Cost of Living information
- Financial support: Our Tenancy Sustainment Team is here to support with benefit advice, money management and budgeting. Find out more about help available if you are worried about money. You can also fill in our online form.
Can I query my rent and/or service charge increase?
If you have questions about your rent and service charge, please wait until after you’ve received your booklet in February.
This will contain a full breakdown of your individual costs. On-site staff or your Housing Officer will be able to answer your questions after we’ve sent your booklet in February.
If you'd like to query your service charge, please complete the form in My Account.
Further information: