Rents are changing from April 2023. Our rents are going up for most of our customers from April 2023.
We know this is a really challenging time for you with the cost of energy, food and bills rising. Like everyone else, we’re also having to manage rising costs for providing services, for parts, materials and labour.
We set our rents using Government guidance which usually sees them go up by slightly more than the rate of inflation.
This year we have worked with Government to agree a rent cap which will mean that for the majority of our customers, rent will increase by 7% in April. If we had used the guidance usually given by Government your rent would have increased by over 11%.
We care about our customers and understand how increases in the cost of living are impacting on household incomes. Our priority is to maintain value for money services to you at a time when our costs are going up significantly more than the 7% increase in our rents.
We will be increasing what we spend on our customers’ homes to over £40m this year, including improving energy efficiency to help reduce the cost of your bills, improving ventilation to prevent issues caused by excess moisture, replacing old kitchens and bathrooms and carrying out minor and major repairs.
Independence and Wellbeing customers
For customers in Independence and Wellbeing rents will also increase by 7% for independent living services in line with the rent cap. For our directly managed and agency managed services rents will increase by 11.1% in line with the rate of inflation. This will help us to continue to provide the supported housing services people need and improve our buildings.
Look out for your rent letter
You’ll get your rent letter in February telling you exactly how much you will pay along with any increase to your service charge if you pay one. Visit greatplaces.org.uk to find answers to questions
We do care. If you’re worried, get in touch.
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, remember you can reach out to us. We’ll do whatever we can to support you with claiming benefits or managing your money. Contact your Neighbourhood Services Manager or Independence and Wellbeing Coordinator. You may be entitled to welfare benefits and other support available through our work with local foodbanks, community partners, and National Energy Action.
Make hassle-free payments with Direct Debit
It’s so easy to pay your rent by Direct Debit; nearly 13,000 of our customers do so already! If you aren’t one of them, it’s simple to set up and means that your rent payments are made automatically. Go to greatplaces.org.uk/dd and we’ll help you set one up.
