News

From April 2022, your rent will be increasing. We have given the rent increase a lot of thought and fully understand that any increase to your rent will not be good news. We understand that the past year has been challenging for many people due to the pandemic and the increase in living costs. Therefore, we felt that it was important to be open with you about the reasons why we need to do this.

 

Government Rent Standard

Social rents are set by government legislation. Between April 2015 and March 2020, social housing providers like Gateway Housing Association had to decrease rents by 1% each year. However, since 1 April 2020, the Government has allowed social landlords to increase rents in line with its 2020 rent standard.

The 2020 Rent Standard allows social housing providers to increase their rents every 12 months from April 2020 until March 2025 by 1% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Government expects us to follow this specific formula to calculate and set our rents. The relevant CPI measure is taken from September the previous year, and in September 2021, the CPI was 3.1%. This is why your rent will go up by 4.1 % from April (1% plus 3.1% CPI).

 

Shared ownership: Dependent on lease

Shared ownership leases is where the customer owns a percentage of the property and pays rent on the remainder owned by Gateway. Rent increases annually, calculated using RPI* plus an amount, typically ranging between 0.5% and 2%, dependent on lease.

*Retail Prices Index (RPI): The RPI is published by the Office for National Statistics. It measures the average change from month to month in the prices of goods and services purchased by most households in the UK.

 

Why is my rent increasing?

1. We’re determined to make a positive difference in the local community and offer good value for money, and this increase will help us to do that. The increase will allow us to continue to manage and maintain homes, build new homes to rent and invest in and support the communities we serve.

2. To maintain and improve our service levels and meet record demand from customers, we are investing in technology to make it easier to pay your rent, order a repair and get answers to queries about your tenancy and neighbourhood.

3. We are facing a rise in repairs costs, which is partly due to labour and materials shortages. We are also investing more to ensure that you are safe in your home.

All of these changes mean an increase of costs this year of around £4 million. As a not-for-profit housing association, every penny of the surplus we make from rent and new homes sales each year is reinvested into delivering our social objectives, delivering more homes, maintaining our existing ones and seeking to improve our services year on year.

Support is available

Please view the advice and support FAQ and the details of organisations that can also help you with money advice and support. 

We know that many customers are having difficulties due to the global pandemic and increased living costs. If you are worried about rent or unable to pay your rent, please get in contact with our income team on 0208 709 4300 or email enquiries@gatewayhousing.org.uk

Our dedicated staff secured an additional £184,000 in benefit payments for residents last year.

We are here to help.