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Your rent 2026/27 - Frequently Asked Questions

A list of FAQs regarding your rent increase for 2026/27

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.

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.

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 by 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.

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.

Your Housing Executive can talk through your options and, if needed, refer you to our Money Matters team. They can assist with:

  • Budgeting
  • Income maximisation
  • Benefit checks
  • Support with Universal Credit
  • Managing debt
  • Help with rising utility costs

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 email complaints@wrekin.com or visit our website 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:

  1. Log in to your UC account
  2. Go to your To‑do list
  3. Select Report any changes to your housing costs
  4. 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 your Housing Executive.

Our Money Matters team 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.

Where can I get debt and budgeting advice from?

We have a dedicated Money Matters team who can help you maximise your benefits and manage your finances. They are experienced in helping tenants and are there to support you in any way they can, including getting access to specialist debt advice and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Please find out more about our Money Matters service and other cost of living advice by visiting www.wrekin.com/advice

You can also get advice from:

Citizen Advice

StepChange