Your rent and service charge

The tenancy agreement that you sign when you first move in to your home tells you how much rent you should pay.

Your tenancy agreement explains how your rent will be adjusted every year, but not more than once. You don’t have to worry about unexpected rent increases, as we will tell you, in writing, at least four weeks before any rent change.

How is my rent set?

Registered housing providers are required to comply with the Regulator of Social Housing’s Rent Standard. This standard sets the required outcomes for how registered providers set and increase rents for all their social housing stock in line with government policy. Your rent covers the cost of general maintenance and repairs, along with paying for staff to deliver all the management of the properties.

Difficulty paying rent

It is an essential requirement of your tenancy to pay rent. If you have difficulties in paying rent or your circumstances have changed, it is vital that you contact your a member of the Housing Team as soon as possible, so that we can support you.

If you fall behind with your rent payments you are in breach of your tenancy agreement and may put your tenancy at risk. You will be sent correspondence making you aware of any arrears on your rent and service charge account and reminding you to pay.

In the event of rent arrears, Brunelcare will seek to establish an arrangement to repay the outstanding rent. Normally, such arrangements can be discussed and agreed upon with your Housing Manager. However, if this arrangement is broken, Brunelcare will commence further debt recovery action, which could include the issue of a Notice Seeking Possession of your home and the commencement of legal action.

In such circumstances, Brunelcare may also apply for direct deductions from Social Security Benefits.

Court Action

If legal action has commenced, it may mean that:

• You can be evicted from your home
• You will be responsible for all legal costs in addition to your arrears
• You may have difficulty getting credit or a loan in the future
• You may not be considered for rehousing by other Housing Associations

How is my service charge set?

Some service charges are included in your overall rent, which pays for specific services that only some tenants may get.

These include gardening and grounds maintenance, estate cleaning, security systems, estate lighting, lift, fire alarm, health and safety inspection, TV aerial, and pest control. We will always try to ensure that costs to you are reasonable and that the services and works undertaken are carried out to a good standard.

More information on service charge payments and whether they are eligible and ineligible, can be found on the Government website