Rents

• The sum payable as ‘rent’ is made up of rent, service charge and Supporting People charge
• The rent for all properties is payable monthly by standing order, direct debit or by using a swipe card at the Post Office (provided by Hanover)
• 
  We use a government-set formula to work out the rents payable on our properties which all registered social landlords must use

Please contact us for up to date information on rents - we can also provide you with our guide to rent restructuring for residents.  We can advise you whether you may be eligible for help with the rent from Housing Benefit.

Service Charge

How is it calculated?

We normally calculate the service charge fee annually, based on an estimate of the cost of providing the services on your estate.  It is included within the sum payable for rent and therefore is paid in the same way as rent.

• The service charge payable is per unit not per resident, and it can vary from year to year, depending on the costs of providing the services to residents
•  Service charges will vary for each estate depending upon the level and type of services provided:
• On some estates (where there is a central boiler or water meter) individual properties’ water and heating costs are collected through the service charge
• On estates where a meal is provided, the cost of this is collected through the service charge.
• Some elements of the service charge are eligible for housing benefit, depending upon circumstances.

What does a service charge cover?

The service charge covers the costs of providing and maintaining estate services and benefits to you. These include:

• Estate manager service
• Provision and maintenance of communal facilities (gardens, lounges, library, guest rooms, etc)
• Provision and maintenance of estate equipment (door entry, emergency alarm call systems, lifts etc)
• Support services, which may include support assistants and flat cleaning, depending upon the estate.

Most parts of the service charge will apply equally to all residents, whether you rent or own part or all of your property, but there will be some differences.

Support charges

• Support charges meet the cost of providing certain support services and cover Supporting People services, such as help with benefit claims
• Although the charge is identified separately, it is another part of the service charge
• You may be entitled to financial help with this charge. We are able to advise you further.

You are responsible for the payment of all your own bill accounts, such as electricity, council tax and home contents insurance. You are also responsible for paying your water rates, unless advised otherwise.

If you require further information about our charges, please contact us.