Understanding social rent

Your rent covers the cost of managing, repairing and improving your home.

Your social rent amount is reviewed and set from April each year and is calculated using a single government formula. The formula sets a target rent level for each property based on the value of the property, the number of bedrooms and local earnings. This ensures that your rent is affordable.

If you are under-occupying your property and in receipt of benefits, you may be responsible for paying the Under-occupation Charge (Bedroom Tax).

Changes to your rent

Any changes to your rent will be applied from the first Monday in April each year. We will notify you of any changes to your rent in writing, providing at least one calendar month’s notice.

Paying your rent

Social rent is payable weekly in advance, in accordance with your tenancy agreement.

If you pay your rent over 48 weeks, the remaining four weeks are known as non-debit weeks. These weeks will usually be the last week in March, the first week in April and the weeks in which Christmas/New Year fall.

Non-debit weeks only apply to customers whose rent account is clear or in credit. If your account is in arrears, you must continue to make your rent payments during these weeks.

In addition to your rent, you may be required to pay a service charge.