Group Chief Executive Wayne Gethings explains why your rent is changing in 2026/27
I want to talk honestly about your rent for the year ahead and explain why it will be changing from April 2026.
From April, most rents will increase by 4.8%. We know this is a rise, especially at a time when many people are already facing higher everyday costs.
Every year we look carefully at what we need to keep homes safe, well‑maintained and warm, and what we need to provide the services you depend on. This year, the costs of repairs, materials, and essential safety work have all risen. To continue doing the things that matter most to you, we need to increase rent.
Over the next year, we will be investing nearly £40 million in our existing homes. This will help us to:
- Keep your home safe and in good condition, including essential repairs and important updates
- Improve comfort and energy-efficiency, helping reduce running costs over time
- Look after neighbourhoods and shared spaces
- Provide extra support and advice for customers who may be finding things difficult
This is one of our biggest investments yet, and it’s focused entirely on improving and protecting the homes and communities you live in.
If you’re worried about how this increase might affect you, please reach out to us. You’re not alone, and we have friendly, experienced teams who can offer support with budgeting, benefits advice, and practical ways to help manage payments.
Please contact The Income Team on 0800 048 8955 or visit our money advice pages
What does this mean for you?
From April 2026, customers will see their rent increase by 4.8%.
For shared ownership properties, any rent changes will continue to follow the terms of your individual lease agreement.
This increase helps us manage rising costs for essential items such as new boilers, kitchens, bathrooms and general repairs – all of which have seen significant price increases over the past year. Despite these pressures, we remain committed to delivering high‑quality services. While there may be some internal changes to how we work, we’re making sure you won’t see any reduction in the services you receive.
Investing in your homes
We continue to prioritise improvements to our customers’ homes. This year, we will be investing nearly £40 million in home improvements, including:
- Installing new kitchens and bathrooms
- Fitting new windows
- Updating heating systems
This investment helps ensure your home remains safe, comfortable and energy‑efficient.
If you have any questions about your rent or the services you receive, please get in touch – we’re always here to help.
Your rent 2026/2027 – Frequently Asked Questions
A helpful guide to this year’s rent changes:
When is my rent increasing?
We review rents every year, with new charges taking effect from the first Monday in April.
For 2026/27, your new rent will start from Monday 6 April 2026.
For shared ownership customers, new charges will take effect from 1 April 2026.
How much will my rent increase by and how was this worked out?
Your rent will go up by 4.8% from April 2026.
Every year, the Government sets the rules for how housing associations like ours can increase rent. The increase is based on:
- The rate of inflation in September
- Plus an extra 1% allowed by the Government
Inflation in September 2025 was 3.8%, so this year’s rent increase is:
3.8% inflation + 1% = 4.8%
That’s how we get to the 4.8% increase for 2026/27.
For shared ownership properties, any rent changes will continue to follow the terms of your individual lease agreement.
Why are you increasing my rent?
The cost of running services, repairing homes and keeping properties safe and energy efficient has risen significantly. Increasing rent allows us to:
- Continue investing in essential repair work
- Improve energy efficiency
- Upgrade kitchens, bathrooms, roofs, windows and communal areas
- Maintain the services and support you rely on
Last year, we delivered tens of thousands of repairs and invested £29m in modernising and improving homes. Without this annual increase, we would face tough decisions about reducing services or delaying improvements, and we don’t believe that would be fair to customers.
When exactly will the increase start?
Your new rent will apply from 6 April 2026.
For shared ownership customers, new charges will take effect from 1 April 2026.
I pay a service charge; does this increase too?
A service charge is an amount you pay towards the costs of services and repairs in communal areas. This charge is in addition to your rent. The service charges you pay will be set out in your tenancy agreement. Service charges don’t automatically rise by the same amount. They are based purely on the actual cost of providing the service. If you pay a service charge, we’ll include full details in your rent letter.
What will the additional rental income be spent on?
During 2026/27, we will spend nearly £40m to maintain and improve your homes. Our planned investment includes:
Modern, Comfortable Homes
- New kitchens and bathrooms
Warmer, More Efficient Homes
- New boilers
- Energy efficient window replacements
- Roof renewals with improved insulation
- Additional upgrades to boost energy performance and reduce energy waste
Safety & Security
- Ongoing investment in building and fire safety
Better Shared Spaces
- Improvements to communal areas
What if I can’t afford the increase?
Please contact us as soon as possible, we’re here to help.
Help with the cost of living If you are struggling with your household bills or are worried about paying your rent, please contact The Income Team on 0800 048 8955 or visit our money advice pages. Our friendly Employment and Money Advice team are here for you. They can offer you advice and support on budgeting, benefits, energy costs, debt advice and lots more.
The service is free, confidential and completely non‑judgemental.
What if I disagree with the rent increase?
Rent levels are set in line with national regulations and approved by our Board. The rent formula is based on your property type and location and cannot be changed individually.
If you wish to make a complaint, you can feedback@housingplusgroup.co.uk or visit our complaints and feedback pages for more information.
I claim Universal Credit – do I need to reapply?
You won’t need to reapply, but you must update your housing cost details in your UC account, otherwise UC will keep paying last year’s amount.
After the increase date:
- Log in to your UC account
- Go to your To-do list
- Select Report any changes to your housing costs
- Enter your new rent amount (from the letter we send you)
Please make sure you use the To-do list, not the general “report a change” section.
Please only update your journal AFTER the date of the rent increase.
What if Universal Credit doesn’t cover the full rent amount?
Please contact the Income Team on 0800 048 8955 or visit homesplus.co.uk/help-and-advice
We can help you look at your budget and may be able to support you with an application for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) to cover any shortfall.
My rent is paid by Housing Benefit – what do I need to do?
Your council will adjust your claim automatically. If you haven’t heard from them by the end of March 2026, please get in touch with your local authority.
I don’t claim benefits – do I need to update my payments?
If you pay by Direct Debit, we’ll update this for you automatically. There’s nothing you need to do.
If you pay by standing order, you will need to contact your bank to amend your payment.
You’ll receive a letter in March confirming your new payment schedule.
What about rent-free weeks?
If you receive rent free weeks, your rent is charged over 48 weeks each year. This means you won’t be charged rent in the weeks starting 21 December 2026, 28 December 2026, 22 March 2027 and 29 March 2027.
Visit homesplus.co.uk/rent-free-weeks to find out more.
Where can I get debt or budgeting advice?
We can offer support with benefits, budgeting and access to specialist debt advice
More information is available at: homesplus.co.uk/help-and-advice
You can also contact independent organisations such as:
- Citizens Advice
- StepChange Debt Charity