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Rent - how it is set and other charges

We are responsible for setting the level of rent that we charge to our tenants.  The level of rent is determined by how much we need to spend on services to our tenants.

The government has introduced a new approach to setting rents so that council's and housing associations have similar levels of rent for similar properties. This is to eliminate discrepancies that have occurred across the country.

Rent is paid into the Housing Revenue Account and this, along with small amounts of government subsidy, pays for the services that tenants receive. It also covers other items such as paying the cost of borrowing for the original construction of the properties and for improvements. The rent our tenants pay does not contribute to other services that we provide, nor is it subsidised by council tax payments.

Each year we consider carefully how much money we will need to raise the following year from rents and subsidies in order to carry out programmes of repair and maintenance.

Other charges

Depending on the type and location of the accommodation, you may have to pay for your heating, lighting, cooking and hot water with your rent. If the complex has a communal gas and electrical supply, this will be divided by all residents and the proportion added to your rent. You will not receive a seperate gas or electric bill.

As a tenant you will be informed of any charges when you sign your tenancy agreement.

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