Understanding Changes to Your Rent – Frequently Asked Questions
Rent payments play a vital role in funding the services we provide. They enable us to maintain and improve our homes, invest in our communities, and continue delivering essential support to residents.
It is therefore important that rent charges are set appropriately and fairly, ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of our residents.
We reinvest the rent you pay directly into maintaining high standards across our housing stock and supporting the wellbeing of our communities.
To help you better understand why your rent may be changing, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.
Annual Rent Consultation Process
Each November, we conduct a survey of all tenants regarding the proposed rent increase. This survey is distributed via text message and email through our Customer Experience (CX) platform.
We also host rent consultation drop-in sessions across our communities, providing an opportunity for tenants to speak with our staff in person about the proposals. During these sessions, our Financial Wellbeing Team will be available to offer advice and support, particularly if you have concerns about your income or your ability to pay rent.
Following a thorough review of tenant feedback and as part of our business and financial planning process, our Management Committee will agree on any changes to rent charges. Please note that annual rent increases take effect from 28th March.
If you have any questions about the consultation process, please do not hesitate to contact us at rentsadvice@williamsburghha.co.uk / 0141 887 8613
We’ll always send you a letter to let you know before any changes are made.
Your new rent amount is explained in the letter which is sent following our Management Committee's decision. You will always be provided with at least 28 days notice of any change to your rent charge.
Your new rent amount will be explained in the letter you receive. The letter will be issued at least 28 days in advance to your rent charge.
If you need support with your finances our Financial Wellbeing Team can help.
You’ll start paying your new rent amount from the 28th March.
If you pay by Direct Debit then you don’t need to do anything as we’ll make the changes to your monthly payment. If you're not already paying by Direct Debit it's easy to set up, complete our form and we'll get it started for you.
Updating Your Universal Credit Claim Following a Rent Change
If you receive Universal Credit to help cover your rent, it is essential that you inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any changes to your rent amount.
You can use the letter we send you to update your claim in the following way:
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- Log in to your Universal Credit on the 28th March.
- Click on Home.
- Select Report a change of circumstances.
- Choose Where you live and what it costs.
- Click on the prompt 'Something else'.
- Update the total household rent and service charges.
- Record the date of change as 28th March
- Confirm the change.
If you have misplaced the letter we sent regarding your rent, please contact us to request a replacement.
Please do not delay — late updates may result in incorrect benefit calculations. You are responsible for ensuring your rent is paid on time, so it is important to confirm you are receiving the correct amount of support.
Williamsburgh will notify Housing Benefit about the proposed rent and service charge increase.