We have written to our customers to explain changes to their rent charges for the financial year 2025-26. All customers should have received their letter by the end of February.
The rent our social housing customers pay will increase by 2.7% from April 2025. This excludes service charges, if applicable, where any changes will reflect actual costs incurred. Like all housing associations in England, we work within government policy when setting rent charges.
We calculate the annual rent change using a specific, government-set formula. This takes the consumer price index (CPI) from the previous September and adds 1%. The CPI measures how the price of goods and services are changing over time.
In September 2024, the CPI was 1.7%. In April 2025, rents will therefore increase by 2.7% (= 1.7% + 1%) for our social housing customers. While all rents are different, the average increase per household will be between £3.00 and £4.40 a week.
If all of your rent charge is currently paid by housing benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, and your circumstances don’t change, this increase will be covered by your benefits.
You can find out more about this year’s rent change in these Frequently asked questions:
Help and support
While this is a much lower increase than in recent years, we know many customers are still experiencing a range of financial pressures. If you’re concerned about this increase, there is support available:
- Check that you’re receiving all available financial help using an online benefits calculator. We recommend Turn2Us and entitled to.
- Visit our help paying your bills page which has links to a range of local and national support services.
- If you still have concerns talk to us. You’ll find contact details below.
What action do I need to take if I receive Universal Credit?
If you claim the housing element of Universal Credit, you will receive a ‘Confirm your housing costs’ to-do item in your online journal at the beginning of April. Please keep hold of your letter outlining your new rent charge so you can complete the to-do item, once it has appeared. You will not need to notify Universal Credit before the to-do item has appeared. If you have any questions, the Universal Credit telephone helpline is 0800 328 5644 (option 2).
Example of a ‘confirm your housing costs’ to-do item
Information for shared ownership customers
Please note that the information on this page is for our social housing customers only. We will be writing separately to all shared ownership customers with details of their rent increase this year. This will include frequently asked questions specific to shared ownership customers as well as information about support available.
Contact details and further resources
Who is my account manager?
For questions about rent charges, contact your account manager. Find yours on our account managers page.
Who is my neighbourhood manager?
For questions about service charges, find yours on our neighbourhood managers page.
‘How to manage your money’ guide
Download our manage your money guide.
How to manage your money updated 2023Download(963.38 KB)
Citizens Advice
Get impartial advice on the Citizens Advice website.
Universal Credit
Sign in to your account on the Universal Credit website.
How we spend customers’ rent
Read our corporate plan and annual report on our how we’re doing page.
