Our annual rent review

We’ve recently completed our annual rent review. You should get a letter in the post with the new rent amount.

If not, this is available on MyGUHG, our customer portal. Log in or register here.

This animation explains why your rent may have changed.

You may have some questions about the changes. We’ve tried to answer some of them below.

What do I need to do?

Once you know the new amount, you’ll need to do one of a couple of things.

• If you pay via standing orders or bank transfers, you’ll need to change the amount, so it covers the new rent and any extra charges. If you pay by Direct Debit, we’ll sort this for you.
• If you get help with housing costs from Housing Benefit, you’ll need to tell your local authority. You need to do this on or just after the date your rent changes, not before.
• If you get help with housing costs from Universal Credit, you’ll need to log into your Universal Credit account and change the rent amount. Again, please do this on the date your rent changes, not before. Find out how to do this here.

I am entitled to Housing Benefit/Universal Credit – how will the rent increase affect my claim?

Housing Benefit, and the Housing Costs Element of Universal Credit, should be increased to reflect your newer higher rent.

Please be aware that if you claim Universal Credit you must report the change of rent on your online account or if you have any difficulties, please call 0800 328 5644. This needs to be done on 1 April or very soon after – but not before that date.

Are other benefit rates increasing?

Yes, rates of benefits are generally increasing by 6.7%

What is a service charge?

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what something means in your rent letter. We’ve created a rent glossary which explains what things mean.

It’s available here.

I’m worried about how I will afford everything – what help is available to me?

If you think you may struggle to pay your rent, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We have a dedicated Payment Support team who will provide you with help, support and guidance.

We have a number of other dedicated teams who can help with a number of issues:

• Welfare Benefit Advisors – for help with understanding your entitlements, help to claim and help to challenge decisions about your claims
• Budgeting and Debt Advisors – for help with managing your money and your options if you have debt you are struggling to deal with
• Wellbeing & Support – for help with managing your tenancy

Find out more here.

If you have any questions which haven’t been answered about, please get in touch.