Rent review

How is rent for Council housing reviewed?

Each year, we review the rent for Council housing in accordance with government policy. This process ensures that rent adjustments are fair, transparent, and in line with inflation.

What is the basis for rent increases?

The government allows social landlords, like us, to increase rent annually by a maximum of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%.

CPI is a measure of inflation that reflects changes in the price of everyday goods and services. The CPI figure used for the rent review is taken from the previous September.

How is the rent increase calculated?

For 2025, the CPI for September 2024 was 1.7%. When adding the additional 1% allowed by government policy, the total rent increase for 2025 is 2.7%. This means that, from April 2025, tenants will see their rents increase by 2.7%.

Why is rent increased?

Rent increases are necessary to ensure that we can continue to maintain and improve our housing services.

The revenue generated from rent is used to cover the costs of managing, maintaining and repairing Council homes. It also helps fund new housing projects, and other essential services.

What does my rent pay for?

Your rent will contribute toward the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is a ring-fenced budget dedicated to housing services. This includes:

• maintenance and repairs of Council homes
• management costs
• improvements to housing stock
• development of new housing

Are there any other charges, in addition to rent?

Some tenants may pay service charges, as well as rent. These charges cover the cost of additional services, such as cleaning of communal areas, grounds maintenance, and the maintenance of other shared facilities.

Service charges are reviewed separately from rent, and are based on the actual cost of providing these services.

Please visit our Service charges webpage for more information.

How will I be informed about rent changes?

Tenants will receive a notification detailing the new rent amount, and the date the change comes into effect, 28 days before this date. 

I receive Housing Benefit. What should I do?

We notify the Housing Benefit authority of any changes to your rent on your behalf. If your circumstances have changed outside of the rent review (for example, changes in working hours, or changes to your household), you must inform your Housing Benefit authority as soon as possible.

I receive Universal Credit: What should I do?

You must report your increase in rent via your online journal. However, you cannot do this until the date the increase takes effect. A task should appear in your 'To do' list, which will enable you to report this change.

If your Universal Credit claim is a telephone claim and you don't have an online account, you can call the Universal Credit service centre on 0800 328 5644.

How to pay your rent

Our preferred method of payment is via Direct Debit.

Once you have set up a Direct Debit, you do not need to do anything else - the payment will be collected on your chosen payment date.

Please visit our How to pay your rent webpage for more information.

I am struggling financially and need help

If you are struggling financially, please reach out to us. We are here to help and can provide advice and support to manage your rent payments. Here are some ways we can assist:

• Financial Inclusion Officers: Our officers can provide advice about money or debt management
• Benefit Entitlement: We can help you claim any benefits you may be entitled to
• Affordable Repayment Plans: We can set up an affordable repayment plan tailored to your financial situation

Additional financial support

• Household Support Fund: This government-funded scheme helps those most in need with the rising cost of living. You may be able to access this fund if you are struggling to pay your rent and service charges. You can apply online or by calling our Housing Solutions team on 0300 123 4000 (Option 3)
• Local Welfare Assistance Scheme: For help with energy, water, and food bills, you can apply to the Suffolk Local Welfare Assistance Scheme. Partner organisations, such as Citizens Advice, can help you submit your application

Contact us

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please contact our Housing Team on 0300 123 4000 (Option 3)