Rent Setting and Service Charge Policy Consultation

Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is reviewing and updating its Rent Setting and Service Charge Policy, replacing the previous version agreed in April 2020.

The new version sets out how rents and services charges are calculated, applied, and reviewed for council tenants, leaseholders, and residents in temporary accommodation.

The consultation seeks residents' views to make sure the policy is:

• Clear and transparent about how rent and charges are set
• Fair and affordable for tenants and leaseholders
• Compliant with updated government legislation and rent-setting guidance
• Aligned with the council's housing priorities, including safe, secure, and energy-efficient homes.

Key changes include the introduction of rent flexibility for new tenants (not affecting current tenants), alongside clearer rules on service charges and annual rent reviews.

It affects all council tenants, leaseholders (service charges only), residents in temporary accommodation and some shared ownership households, but not garage rents or support charges.

In short: the consultation is asking residents for feedback on how SBC proposes to set, review, and explain rents and service charges in the future.

You can download and read the draft policy below:

Taking part

We want to hear from you. Your opinions are vital in helping shape how we set rents and service charges in the future.

The consultation runs from 19 August to 16 September 2025

You can respond online using the link below

Alternatively you can give us your feedback by:

• Emailing income@stevenage.gov.uk
• Send your written response to:
  Income Service Team
  Stevenage Borough Council
  Daneshill House
  Danestrete
  Stevenage
  SG1 1HN

All responses will be carefully reviewed and used to shape the final version of the policy. A summary of feedback and our response will be published on this website.