After careful consideration, our Board has approved a rent increase of 2.7% which will take effect from Tuesday 1st of April 2025.
Please see the FAQs for more information.
We understand that rising fuel, food, household costs, and changes to the benefits system may be placing increased financial pressure on your household. Please know that this decision was not taken lightly. Our priority is to support you in sustaining your tenancy and help is available if you need it.
If you need to speak to someone about your rent:
Contact your Housing Officer
Call 03000 11 00 11
Email customer.services@northstarhg.co.uk
Surplus for Purpose
We at North Star are also managing rising costs. The price of delivering repairs, planned maintenance, and building new homes increases each year due to higher material, supply, and labour costs.
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to supporting you and your community. At North Star, any financial surplus we generate is not for profit and is reinvested to achieve this.
Here’s how your rent contributes:
- New Homes: Building high-quality, fuel-efficient, and affordable housing.
- Existing Homes: Keeping your home safe, warm, and well-maintained.
- Communities and Neighbourhoods: Supporting initiatives that help you and your community thrive.
- Tenant Voice: Providing ways for you to have a say and influence decisions at North Star.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with others to address challenging housing issues.
FAQs
When will my rent increase and by how much?
Your rent will increase on the 1st of April each year. The percentage increase differs from year to year, depending on government guidance.
Is there anything I need to do?
If you pay by Universal Credit: You must update your Universal Credit account with your new rent amount before the end of your April assessment period. You can update your account online at: https://www.gov.uk/sign-in-universal-credit
If you pay by Housing Benefit: We will inform your council of any change in your rent. The amount of Housing Benefit you receive will be automatically amended.
If you pay by Direct Debit: We will amend the Direct Debit payment amount to reflect your new rent. You will receive confirmation of the new Direct Debit from our payment provider, Allpay.
If you pay by Standing Order: You will need to contact your bank and update the standing order amount to reflect the new rent from April.
If you pay by Paypoint Card: You will need to adjust your payments to cover the rent amount.
Why does my rent have to increase?
We understand that any increase in rent can be concerning, especially during challenging times. However, the cost of delivering regular maintenance and repairs, planned maintenance, and developing new homes rises each year. This is due to the increasing cost of materials, supplies, and labour.
We need to ensure there is enough income to continue delivering services to all customers. Increasing rent is one way to cover these rising costs and ensure North Star remains a strong and responsible landlord.
We don’t make these decisions lightly. We are committed to keeping rent increases as fair as possible. We also continuously look for ways to get as much value for money as possible so that we can continue providing the high-quality homes and services you deserve.
How is my rent decided?
Rent levels for social housing are guided by the government. Housing associations must set rents in line with the rent standard and the policy statement on rents for social housing.
We are allowed to increase rents by a maximum of the rate of inflation plus a percentage called the Consumer Price Index (CPI) set by the government.
What does North Star do with rental income?
Our priority is to ensure your existing homes are safe, warm, and well-maintained. With the rental income we receive, we can budget for planned maintenance works such as replacing kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems. We also prioritise energy efficiency improvement works, health and safety measures, and servicing.
Additionally, we invest significantly in building new homes for rent as part of our strategy.
We also work with people and communities to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood. Our Social Value Reports provide more information about our community work.
As a not-for-profit charitable housing association, we aim to generate a financial surplus to reinvest in the organisation. This ensures we meet our social purpose and strategic objectives. We call this our Surplus for Purpose. You can find more information on how we invest in homes and communities in our Annual Report.
I pay a service charge. How is this affected?
Service charges are calculated differently from rents. Any charges we make for services are based on the actual cost of providing those services. Details of any service charges applicable to your home will be included in your rent increase letter.
What support is available if I cannot afford my new rent amount?
Our priority is to support you to sustain your tenancy. If you’re concerned about money or having difficulty paying rent, be sure to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Your Housing Officer can provide support with paying rent. Our Welfare Benefits team can also offer guidance on maximising your income and claiming benefits.
You can also access independent money advice from:
Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/cost-of-living/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/
Turn 2 Us: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
StepChange: https://www.stepchange.org/
Money & Pensions Service: https://maps.org.uk/en