How is my rent set?

How your rent is set depends on what kind of tenancy you have.

Secure tenants

If you first became a tenant of Genesis before 1989 you are likely to be a secure tenant.

Your rent is set by the local council's rent officer every two years and depends on the:

• size
• location
• condition and amenities
• rent of similar properties nearby

If you disagree with the rent set, you can contact the rent officer, whose details will be on the letter telling you about the increase.

Assured tenants

If you became a Genesis tenant since 1989 you are likely to be an assured tenant

Rents are reviewed each financial year and one month’s notice is given before the new rent is charged.

It is based on the Government formula for setting rent to make sure it is affordable to residents on low wages whilst covering all the costs of managing and maintaining our properties.

For properties developed with public money

The Government has set a formula which calculates a “target rent” based on the size and number of bedrooms in your home.

Because the “target rent” may differ from your current rent, we have until 2012 to gradually change your rent until “target rent” is reached. The maximum annual increase will be no more than the retail price index (RPI) rate of inflation, (currently 4.6%) plus 0.5%, plus an additional £2 per week.

In addition, we have implemented Government guidance on limiting the level of net rents (excluding service charges) according to type of property:

For properties developed with private money

The new rent for social housing tenants in these properties will be increased
annually by RPI plus 0.5% - i.e. 5.1%

If your rent exceeds the “target rent”, we have frozen the rent until it is in line with the “target rent” level. Thereafter the rate of increase will be RPI + 0.5%.

How can I appeal if I think the rent is too high?

If you wish to appeal, you can obtain a form from the Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor. There are strict time limits during which appeals can be lodged.

If you decide to appeal, the rent assessment committee (an independent panel of three people) will hold an informal hearing. The landlord and tenant (together with anyone they wish to represent them) can attend to put forward their arguments. They will consider whether our rent increase is in line with rents charged by other landlords and will determine a rent for your home.

Please note that the committee can determine a higher rent as well as a lower rent.

If you require more information about the way your rent charge has been calculated, please contact your income services officer.