Preparing For The Rent Increase
We have written to all customers to advise of a rent increase that is taking place from 1st April 2024 and what this means for you. It’s important that you plan for the change, so here is some helpful information about making preparations.
Rent Increase Frequently Asked Questions
How much are you increasing my rent and how have you calculated this?
Annual rent rises match the rate of inflation from the previous September, plus 1%. This year, it is 6.7% plus 1%, resulting in a 7.7% increase.
Why are you increasing my rent?
In order to deliver our commitments to customers, we need to apply the increase of 7.7%. If we had set rents below 7.7%, we would not be able to maintain our homes and service delivery to the current standards. The costs of maintaining our homes have risen by over 13.4%, which means that delivering repairs and installing new boilers, windows, kitchens, bathrooms etc are all much more expensive than they were a year ago. We are investing £9 million in our homes and estates in the next 12 months to improve quality for our customers.
Do the same increases apply to service charges?
Service charges are calculated differently and are based on what it costs us to deliver the services we provide. We have done everything we can to minimise these charges. The full breakdown of costs is included in the rent letter sent to all tenants.
What can I do if I can’t afford the increase?
Our priority is to support customers to sustain their tenancies and we want to help prevent rent arrears occurring as much as you do. We have a dedicated Tenancy Sustainment Team working alongside the Income Team who are trained to ensure you have maximised your benefits, help you budget to manage your finances and support you through changes in circumstances. Please consider contacting the team well ahead of the rent increase. Call 01452 833217 or email tenancy.sustainment@gch.co.uk
Can I have a breakdown of how you will spend my rent?
A full breakdown of how we will spend your rent over the next 12 months is shared below and will be found in our upcoming Annual Report.
I claim Universal Credit, will I have to re-apply and will this result in delays of my rent being paid and accumulating rent arrears?
You do not need to complete a brand new Universal Credit claim with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You will need to advise the DWP of your new rent amount via the ‘To Do’ list on your online claim or by calling 0800 328 5644 if you have a telephone claim. This must be done on or after 1st April 2024. If the DWP do not increase your housing costs to cover your new rent charge please contact us and make an appointment to see one of our Tenancy Sustainment Advisors.
I claim Housing Benefit to cover my rent – what do I need to do?
If you have your housing benefit paid directly to us, we will notify the Council of your new rent and charges where applicable. If your circumstances have not changed, your Housing Benefit will continue to cover your new rent. The Council will notify you separately of your new entitlement amount.
I don’t claim benefits, do I have to adjust my Direct Debit mandate
with my bank?
Your Direct Debit will be adjusted automatically in time for the change – you don’t have to do anything. When your Direct Debit is changed Allpay will notify you via letter or email.
Online Budget Calculator
Alternatively, advice and support is available from the local Citizens Advice Bureau or charities such as Step Change and the National Debtline.