Changes to rent charges

We know times are tough at the moment. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, we’re here to help the people most in need of support. As a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation, we re-invest every penny we make into our business, so we can help more people just like you.

Changes to Rent Charges 2025/26

Important dates:

Rent and service charge change letters will be sent to all customers starting from 24^th February 2025.
For weekly rent and service charges, changes will be made from 7th April 2025.
For monthly rent and service charge, changes will be applied from 1^st April 2025.

Useful information:

Full details of any changes in rent and service charges, and what you need to do next, are in your annual rent change letter.

What does your rent pay for?

Calico Homes is a not-for-profit organisation. That means we don’t have shareholders and every penny we make is reinvested into our business and the services we provide.

The money we collect through rent and service charges pays for the services we provide and makes sure your home and neighbourhood are kept safe and in good condition. Any additional income generated will allow us to continue to invest in improvements and deliver what is most important.

We are investing £25 million of improvements in our homes and neighbourhoods over the next 5 years. We are building new affordable accommodation which will have a positive impact in the town and on our community.

We are also focusing on maintenance issues; this includes routine repairs, response to damp and mould issues, regular gas and electrical safety checks and any planned improvements to your home, such as a new boiler or energy efficiency work. We are taking steps to review and improve our response times too.

What do I need to do now?

You need to start paying your new rent charges from the date your rent goes up. This will be made clear in the letter we send. If you’ve lost this letter and need a new copy, contact our customer service team.

If you pay by direct debit, you don’t need to do anything. Your payments will automatically be changed, and you’ll get confirmation of this from AllPay Limited, in March 2025.
If you manage your payments online or by standing order, please change your payments to the new amount from the day of your increase.

If you get support with your rent via Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, please see our FAQs below for more information.

Frequently asked questions

How are social housing rents set?

Social rents are set by the Government using the Rent Standard 2025: Limit on annual rent increases 2025-26 – from April 2025 – GOV.UK. Rent will usually be increased by a maximum of Consumer Price Index (CPI) +1%.

What if I can’t afford the increase?

Our priority is to support you to maintain your tenancy and not to fall into rent arrears. We have a dedicated Income Management and Tenancy Sustainment team trained to help you maximise benefits and manage your money. Please take advantage of this service now to help you prepare for the rent increase.

For further support look on our website alternatively, call 01282 686 300 or email moneywise@calico.org.uk

Find out if you may be eligible for additional income, by completing our easy to follow Benefit Checker.

Independently you can get free advice and support from your local Citizens Advice, or from StepChange if you’re struggling with debts.

What does a ‘Section 13 notice’ mean?

When a tenancy agreement doesn’t have terms and conditions for rental changes, and your rent is going up, you’ll be sent a ‘Section 13 notice’ along with your letter.

This letter confirms your rent and your right of appeal to via an independent tribunal. If you wish to appeal, you must do so before to the rent increase on 1^st April 2024.

The Tribunal’s official name is First-Tier Tribunal or the Upper Tribunal. They are an independent body with legal powers to settle disputes, including rent. They are completely unconnected to the landlord, the resident, or any other public agency.

If you want to appeal, you must do so with the correct method, which is explained in the Section 13 notice. Sometimes people also get referred to the Tribunal.

You can contact any Tribunal office in writing, by telephone, via e-mail, or you can visit their office (please check opening times). These offices are local. 

Visit the GOV.UK website to find full details of the office that covers your area.

Do I need to notify my local council or DWP about the rent change?

If you get Housing Benefit and it’s paid straight to us, we’ve already told your Local Authority about your new rent and charges, so you don’t need to do anything.

If it’s paid directly to you, you’ll need to let your Local Authority know so they can sort it for you.

If you get help for housing costs via Universal Credit, you must tell the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) about your rent change, either on or after the date of your rent increase (i.e. 1^st April 2024).

Please use the ‘confirm your housing costs’ form, which is a ‘to-do’ on your online journal from 1^st April 2024. Please don’t change your rent charges until 1^st April 2024 or after this date.

Why is my rent different from my neighbours?

We can’t talk about your neighbour’s rent with you. However, differences occur for many reasons, including your tenancy type or how long you have lived in your home.

What are service charges?

You pay both rent and service charges. Rent is used for the management and maintenance of your home. Service charges cover services beyond your home and garden, such as the upkeep of communal areas (for example, mowing shared lawns and maintaining footpaths).

Following your feedback from a recent survey, ground maintenance will now be delivered our new dedicated Clean & Green Team from spring 2024. We believe this change will give everyone a better service and improve the look of our neighbourhoods.