Your rent is changing

There are two important changes taking place soon that will affect when and how much rent you pay.

Firstly, council rents are increasing by 2.7% from April. This is in line with government guidelines and the increase is essential to ensure we continue our programmes to maintain and improve your homes and neighbourhoods. Your rent money pays for important works like our ongoing capital programme that includes redecorating entrances and communal areas, installing new kitchens and bathrooms, and fitting new doors and windows. We will write to you to let you know what your new weekly rent amount is. If you have any questions or concerns please talk to your local housing office.

Secondly, from April we will collect your rent over 52 weeks of the year. Currently rent is only collected over 48 weeks, with four non-payment weeks spread through the year. This doesn’t affect the total annual amount you pay; it simply means the yearly total is split between 52 payments rather than 48. The result is that, even though your annual rent figure will increase by 2.7%, the amount you pay each week will reduce.

For example, the average council rent is £4,457.44 a year. The old 48-week rent collection meant the tenant paid £92.87 a week and had four ‘non-payment’ weeks. The new 52-week rent collection means the weekly rent drops to £85.72 (but there are no non-payment weeks).

The change to a 52-week rent year will also apply to weekly service charges.

It is essential you know your new rent total and the amount you must pay each week. The move to a 52-week rent year means there are no longer ‘non-payment’ weeks at Christmas time, so it is more important than ever to budget properly, open a savings account and keep up to date on your rent. Inside this month’s Tenants’ Link you’ll find useful articles on how to open a savings account and the different ways you can pay your rent.

Remember, if you are struggling to pay the rent, don't bury your head in the sand. Talk to us so that we can work out a way forward so you don't lose your home. Please email our Customer Payment and Debt team or call 023 8083 3388.

Our Welfare Rights and Money Advice team can also help with debt and money worries. The team offers free, professional and confidential advice to help you budget your money, claim any benefits and manage your debts.