Rent increases for council tenants

From 3rd April 2023: 

• We are increasing residential rents by 7% in accordance with the government’s rent cap announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022.
• District heating will increase by 70%

We know this will be difficult for many residents at this time, however with inflation running high a 7% increase represents a real term cut in the money we need to look after your homes and estates and to run your services.

Despite this, for most tenants who are claiming full benefit, the rent increase will be mitigated by increases in Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

Customers on a district or communal heating system will pay higher energy charges because of the significant rise in costs due to the energy crisis. This also affects the increase in communal electricity costs.

If you are finding it difficult to pay your rent and service charge then it is important to contact us as soon as possible, if you need help please contact the income team on 0207 525 1317.

Direct Debit

If you pay your rent by Direct Debit you don't need to do anything. We'll update your Direct Debit so you pay the right amount.

Direct Debit is the simplest and most convenient way to pay. 

Change your payment method to Direct Debit

Standing order

You'll need to ask your bank to change the amount you pay by standing order to your new rent amount.

We can’t contact your bank for you.

Housing Benefit

If you get Housing Benefit to help pay your rent this will change when your rent amount does.  You'll get a Housing Benefit letter that will tell you:

• how much Housing Benefit you'll get
• how much rent you'll have to pay from 6 April 2023

If your Housing Benefit only pays some of your rent and you pay by standing order you'll need to tell your bank to change the amount that you pay.

Universal Credit

If you get Universal Credit to help pay your rent, you must tell Universal Credit about your new rent amount on or soon after 6 April 2023 so they can calculate your new housing cost. There's no need to do this before 6 April 2023. 

We can't contact Universal Credit for you.

You must tell Universal Credit about your new rent amount even if your rent is being paid direct to us by Universal Credit. You can do this by:

• using your online Universal Credit account (if you have one)
• calling 0800 328 5644

Page last updated: 30 March 2023