Changes to rent charges for houses

Explanation of rent and service charges from 3 April 2023 for houses

This year, your basic rent on dwellings will be increased by 7% from the week commencing 3 April 2023 in line with government guidance. This has been calculated in accordance with the announcement made in the Government's autumn statement that has imposed a cap on the previous policy of CPI +1%, the equivalent of 7%. We fully understand that any increase to your rent will not be good news as these are unpreceded times with the ongoing cost of living crisis and increase in energy bills and its impact on households.

We have carefully considered the rent increase and we believe that to deliver our commitments as set out in the Corporate Plan we need to maximise the money we receive from rents and apply the increase of 7%. If we keep your rent as it is, we are unable to deliver our commitments and would have to make some tough choices such as building fewer properties or not building at all or investing less and doing less in your neighbourhoods. We have ambitions to protect our assets and neighbourhoods and to plan for future generations of your families who choose to live in Stevenage and our homes.

There may be an increase in your service charges and water charges unless you have a water meter. The water charge increase is calculated by the water company and sent to us each year in February.

Service charges may increase, but the formula above in paragraphs 1 and 2 will not apply. We set service charges in line with our Rent and Service Charge Setting Policy. The policy states that we will set charges appropriately to cover the cost of providing the service to you.

The Council letter notifying you of the changes to your rent amount will provide you with a detailed breakdown of any service or water charges and shows you the total amount due for your home

Useful contact information

You can find the contact details for Council Tax, Benefit Services and more on our Contact Us webpage.

You can contact our Customer Service Centre using the details below. You will need to make an appointment if you wish to speak to an advisor in person.

Customer Service Centre telephone lines are open Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm.