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Changes to your rent
From April 2022 the amount of rent you pay will be increasing.
Universal Credit claimants must act on or immediately after 4 April. Go to FAQs to see what you need to do.
Rents are increasing from April 2022
Rents are increasing from April 2022 by an average of £4.35 per week. We will be contacting all customers directly with information about their rent, the changes they will see to their own rent charge and when it will happen.
If you are having problems paying your rent, or if you are worried about the impact of this rent change, we are here to help. Remember the sooner you tell us, the faster we can help you get back on track. You can call us or speak to your Community Housing Officer.
Here when you need us
We’re here to help and have dedicated teams to help you with managing your money, getting in to work and more. If you are having problems paying your rent, please contact us.
Budget and benefit calculator
Depending on your situation, you might be entitled to some additional financial support from the government. This handy calculator helps you to check your eligibility.
FAQs
I claim Universal Credit. Do I need to do anything about the rent increasing?
Yes. You must report your rent change to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on or immediately after 4 April 2022 using the ‘to-do’ in your online journal. Look for a notification called ‘confirm your housing costs’. Do this without delay or you could miss out on the money you are due.
I claim housing benefit. Do I need to do anything about the rent increase?
We have already contacted your local authority’s Housing Benefit team about the rent change. You do not need to contact them.
Do I have to change my direct debit mandate with my bank due to the rent increase?
Our finance team will automatically adjust your direct debit, so you don’t have to do anything. We will confirm the change in your rent increase letter.
Standing orders and the rent increase.
If you pay your rent by standing order you need to contact your bank to change it to the new amount. If you want to set up a direct debit for future payments, give us a call on 0300 555 6666.
How much is my rent going up by in April 2022?
As part of our annual review of charges, this year we have increased rents by an average of £4.35 per week.
You will receive a letter from us which explains the change you will see to your own rent and when it will happen.
Why are you increasing my rent?
The rent you pay goes towards the management and maintenance of your home and providing services and support that benefit you and your community.
Each year we review all rents. This is one of the terms of the tenancy agreement you signed when you became a whg customer.
We believe a rent increase is necessary this year (2022) to continue providing high quality homes and services to our customers and communities.
How have you calculated the rent increase?
Increases in social housing rents are set by the government and are linked to inflation. On average our rents remain well below that of similar privately rented homes.
Shared ownership rents are set in accordance with the terms of the lease agreement between us and the shared owner.
What will you spend the extra rent on?
As a registered charity, the costs of providing our services are covered by the rent we receive. We re-invest all rental income in maintaining our homes, building new ones and supporting our communities.
We provide a full breakdown of how your rent is spent in our annual report to customers. Click here to read the annual report for 2020/21.
When does the new rent start?
The rent increase takes effect from 1 April 2022.
Customers who pay their rent weekly on a Monday will make their first payment of the new amount on 4 April 2022.
The increase will be applied from 1 April 2022 for customers who pay their rent monthly.
I pay a service charge. Will that also increase?
The rent increase does not apply to service charges, which are increased or decreased when the cost of providing the service goes up or down.
Where can I get money advice due to the rent increase?
Money worries can be scary to tackle on your own and sometimes it is hard to know where to start. That’s why our team of qualified money advice experts are here and ready to help you. You can call them on 0300 555 6666 or find out more by visiting our money and bills page.
Alternatively, you can speak to Citizens Advice Sandwell & Walsall on 0300 330 9017.
To find out what extra financial support may be available to you, visit turn2us.org.uk or moneyadviceservice.org.uk
What happens if I don’t pay the rent increase?
Arrears will build up on your account and we will have to take action to recover the unpaid rent. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up to date with your rent payments.
