Changes to your rent service charge for 2026/27 | Tenant news

We understand that when finances are tight, keeping up-to-date with rent and service charge payments can be hard and we want to give you all the information you need to help you plan for increased charges when they happen each year.

As a registered social landlord, Habinteg is responsible for ensuring that every home remains a safe and well-kept place to live. To do this we must arrange for and meet the rising costs of communal services such as pest control and cleaning of communal areas, dealing with rubbish and regular grounds maintenance.

Because of these rising communal services costs, many of you will see an increase in your monthly service charge from April 2026.

Communal services

Having to pay people to carry out these communal services means we will always see costs increase in line with minimum wage rates as set by the Government.

We also have to follow changing government regulations, and strict health and safety requirements to protect every resident.

To do that, we must regularly service, maintain and repair equipment and systems in communal areas on schemes. Things like lifts, door entry, fire safety equipment and warden call services need to be compliant, and the costs to service these features have increased because the change in government regulations has created more demand.

Other areas, which are also expected to cost more, include the repair and maintenance of internal/external lighting, digital TV ariels or CCTV, and large equipment costs such as laundry machines.

Your service charge

You’ll receive a letter from us in the last week of February providing you with more information on the changes to your service charge, as well as your rent, and a summary of your new weekly charges.

The letter will include advice on what you need to do if you’re claiming Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. You can also read our Service Charge Guide, which explains the charges that appear on your service charge statement.

We’re being as efficient as possible with our resources and we didn’t take the decision to increase costs lightly. Our priority remains supporting you through these challenging times while ensuring your homes are well-maintained for the future.

If you need more information and immediate support, please call or email our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or direct@habinteg.org.uk.

If you’d prefer to speak with your local Neighbourhood Team, please reach out to them when you see them on scheme. If you don’t know how to contact your Neighbourhood Team, please call or email the Customer Services Team to find out.

Help from Rent Assist

Meanwhile, our Rent Assist Team is here for you if you think you may struggle to pay your rent or if you’re already in arrears. Just call the Customer Services Team on 0300 365 3100 and select option 5 to speak to Rent Assist.

They can provide advice, including benefits advice, if you’re struggling to manage your finances and pay your rent on time. 

They can advise on a repayment plan, refer you for a benefits audit to ensure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to or help you access a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from your local council. We also have a Tenant Support Fund to help you if you’re experiencing extreme hardship.

Whatever you do, please don’t sit in silence. The sooner you speak to us, the sooner we can look at the options available to support you.

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