Rent and Service Charges

Changes to your rent and service charges from April 2026.

You should have received a letter setting out your individual charges. This page explains: 

  • Why charges change each year.
  • What is changing for your household.
  • How service charges are calculated.
  • What you need to do.
  • Where to get help.

We understand that many households continue to feel cost of living pressures. Any increase in housing costs can be worrying. We are committed to being clear, open and supportive in explaining these changes.

Annual Rent and Service Charge Review

As a not-for-profit housing association, all income we receive is reinvested back into homes and communities. Rent income allows us to:

  • Maintain safe and good quality homes.
  • Meet our legal and safety responsibilities.
  • Invest in repairs and improvements.
  • Support our neighbourhood services.
  • Build new affordable homes in Tower Hamlets.

Each year we review rents and service charges in line with government policy and regulatory requirements.

Why rents are changing

Government policy allows social housing rents to increase by up to Consumer Price Index plus 1 per cent each year.

The September 2025 Consumer Price Index was 3.8 per cent. This means the maximum permitted increase for 2026 is 4.8 per cent.

The rent standard applies to all registered providers of social housing from April 2026.

Important
We do not treat annual rent increases as an automatic decision. We carefully consider affordability alongside our responsibility to maintain safe, high-quality homes and services.

What is changing for you

Tenants in social and affordable rented homes

Your rent will change from:

  • 1 April 2026 if you pay monthly
  • 6 April 2026 if you pay weekly

Your increase is based on CPI plus 1 per cent, subject to government rent rules.

Your letter includes a full breakdown of your new rent and service charges.

Shared owners

If you are a shared owner, your rent increase is set by the terms of your lease.

The increase is based on Retail Price Index in September plus 0.5 per cent.

The September Retail Price Index was 4.5 per cent. This results in a 5 per cent increase.

As a shared owner, you pay:

  • Rent on the share of your home that we own.
  • A service charge for communal services.

Your letter sets out the revised rent and service charge separately.

We understand that any increase makes a difference. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your individual circumstances.

Leaseholders who pay service charges

Your charges reflect the estimated cost of services provided to your block and estate.

These charges are not subsidised by rent income.

At the start of the financial year, you receive an estimated service charge demand.

Six months after the end of the financial year, you will receive a final demand showing the balancing charge. The balancing charge is the difference between:

  • The amount estimated at the beginning of the year.
  • The actual cost of providing the service.

This may result in:

  • A credit to your account.
  • A debit to your account.

What service charges cover

Your Annual Variation Notice shows which services apply to your home.

Services may include:

  • Communal area cleaning and maintenance.
  • Estate services and caretaking.
  • Grounds maintenance and horticulture.
  • Communal heating and lighting.
  • Health and safety services.
  • Repairs and maintenance to blocks or estates.

More information is available on the Detailed Service Charge Breakdown.