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How much will my rent go up and when?

Rents will increase by Consumer Price Index (CPI) +1%. You will receive a personal outline of how much your rent will increase. This figure will apply from the first Monday in April, which is 1st April 2024.

We have not made this decision lightly, the increase in the cost of living is affecting everyone, however it's important that we are able to continue with resident services, home improvements and maintenance as required.

What do I do if I can't afford the increase?

We know you might be concerned or unhappy about the proposed rent increase, however allowing rent arrears to build up on your account could mean you end up in more debt, making life more difficult.

A better approach would be to seek advice from our welfare team. This dedicated team work with our rents team and can help you manage your money as well as make sure you receive the right amount of benefit and support.

Our welfare team secure millions of pounds each year for residents, so please take advantage of this service now. You can contact them by calling 01296 732600. Alternatively there is advice and support available from your local Citizens Advice. Contact them online via www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Do you have to increase my rent?

We don’t have to increase your rent, we could leave it as it is. However, this would mean that some things would have to stop. Within our financial plan we have budgeted for the rent increase from April 2024, which means we can keep our promises of more houses and investing in your communities and homes.

If we keep rent as it is we simply can’t deliver on what we said we would do, which means tough choices like building less or not at all, and investing less in neighbourhoods. But we don’t think that’s right. We want to look after your homes and communities for future generations.

I pay a service charge, do the same increases apply?

Most of our properties have a variable service charge, therefore although they may increase, the formula (CPI+1%) will not apply. Your tenancy agreement confirms if your service charge is variable or fixed.

We increase variable service charges in line with our policy. A service charge statement is sent annually, however we can give you a full breakdown of your service charge. To request a breakdown, please email servicecharges@fairhive.co.uk.

What will you spend the extra rental income on?

Rental money is always spent on maintaining your home, delivering new homes and investing in your communities. We regularly share how we're performing through the Annual Tenant Standards Report. You can view the latest report on our website at www.fairhive.co.uk/tenant-standards-reports which will also give you a full breakdown of how we have spent your rent over the last 12 months

Will I see any benefits in my home and local community?

Absolutely. The reason we are applying the rent increase is so that you will benefit within your own home, in your wider community, and from the services we offer.

I claim Universal Credit (UC), will I have to reapply and will this result in a delay in my rent being paid?

You don’t have to complete a brand new claim with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), simply tell them, via the DWP portal (your journal), what the new amount will be. It is important that you do this as soon as the rent increase is applied on 1^st April to ensure that you get paid the right amount of UC. If you’re late reporting them, UC won’t usually backdate and you will miss out on money you are entitled to.

If you have any issues with updating your rent on your journal, you can call us or email our dedicated UC officer who will be able to assist.

What if Universal Credit doesn't cover the rent increase?

If your UC allowance doesn’t cover the additional rent, we recommend that you email our dedicated UC officer in the first instance to discuss. If you are struggling financially to make the shortfall in payment, we will refer you to our welfare team for assistance.

I don't claim benefits, do I have to adjust my Direct Debit (DD) mandate with my bank or will this happen automatically?

Don’t worry your DD will be automatically changed by our team – you don’t have to do anything.

I pay my rent by standing order, do I have to change this with my bank?

If you pay by standing order, you will need to change your payment to reflect the new rent amount. Please call your bank to advise them of the new amount or change your standing order on your online banking.

If you have any further questions or want to talk to someone, please contact us on 01296 732600 or email our Contact Centre.