RENT AND SERVICE CHARGES 2022/23

We know these are difficult times for you. Here are some answers to your questions.

  1.    Do you have to increase rents this year?

Yes, unfortunately we have no choice but to increase rents this year. Like many organisations we are experiencing exceptionally high increases in day to day running costs.  

Property safety standards are high and we are increasing investment in your home as a response.  

We know you are facing huge financial pressures and we have tried hard to avoid a rent increase this year. However we have had to take this decision to meet our commitment to maintain safety standards of your home and housing services.  

 2.     Can you explain how you have calculated my new rent? 

Yes, social rents are set by Government legislation and the amount of any increase is set by the Regulator of Social Housing using the September 2021 Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Rent can increase every year by 1% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as a maximum.  

Using the September 2021 (CPI) of  3.1%, this means your rent will increase by 4.1% from 4 April 2022.  

3.     Do I need to adjust my Direct Debit to cover the increase?

No, you do not need to do anything if you pay your rent by Direct Debit.

The new rent will automatically be adjusted from your April 2022 payment. 

Your Direct Debit will be recalculated based on your new rent and the new amount will be confirmed in writing at least 10 working days before your new Direct Debit payment in April. 

4.     Can I pay through my Housing Solutions online account? 

Yes, paying your rent online is a great way to pay. It is a free, secure, online service available any time anywhere. Simply go to the portal to access your account.

 5.     Can I get advice and support about paying my rent and service charges?
Yes, Housing Solutions has a dedicated welfare and benefits team to support you.  

We offer confidential advice about managing your money and paying rent.  

We can help you get benefits and any additional financial support you are entitled to have.  

Watch a short video explaining more about how they can help here

 

 

 6.     How do I get help paying my rent?

Call our welfare and benefits team:  

Tania Bibi (Welfare & Benefits Officer) - 07584 235570
Katy Darlow (Welfare & Benefits Officer) - 07720 496317 
Hadikah Chaudhri (Welfare & Benefits Team Leader) 07584 235602 

Email : welfare@housingsolutions.co.uk

You can also contact them via the Customer portal here         

We also have lots more helpful information about money and benefits on our website here  

 If you are worried about your finances, please get in touch with us. You can contact us via webchat or email us at contact@housingsolutions.co.uk

 The sooner we know your circumstances, the sooner we can help you.