The rent paid by most general need residents will go up by 2.7%. This is in line with the Government’s guidelines which allow social housing providers to increase rents based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, plus 1%. The CPI measures changes in the prices of goods and services over time (inflation) and in September 2024 it was 1.7%. That means, rent will increase by 2.7% this year for general needs tenancies.

The rent increase helps Rykneld Homes to reinvest back into our properties and the services we provide.

If you pay service charges as well as rent, please note your service charges may increase by a different amount to your rent. This is because service charges reflect the actual cost of providing the service to you.

We acknowledge this increase may concern customers if they are struggling financially, especially with the rising costs of everyday essentials such as food and energy. If you are worried about being able to pay your rent, don’t hesitate to speak to us. Our Rent Advisors and Rent Officers can guide you through any changes and can also refer you to our specialist Financial Inclusion Officer or signpost you to other agencies for further support.

Our priority is to support you and prevent you getting into rent arrears. We are here to help.

Find details of your Rent Officers

Frequently Asked Questions

I pay my rent by Direct Debit, what do I do about the rent increase?

If you currently pay part or all your rent by Direct Debit, Rykneld Homes will recalculate your Direct Debit payment accordingly and confirm the new monthly payment amount in writing shortly.

I claim Universal Credit and my housing cost element is included, what do I do about the rent increase?

You need to report your rent increase to Universal Credit using your online Journal on 7th April 2025. Do not report the increase prior to 7th April 2025 as this will not be accepted. It is essential that you report the increase or the payments you receive in your housing costs element may not cover your new rent and you will then need to pay this yourself.

I claim Universal Credit and my rent is paid directly to Rykneld Homes, do I need to do anything?

You still need to report your rent increase to Universal Credit (see above).  Universal Credit will continue to make the payments directly to Rykneld Homes if this is already in place.

I pay all my rent through Housing Benefit, what do I do about the rent increase?

Revenues at NEDDC will increase your Housing Benefit payments in-line with the rent increase and continue payments directly to Rykneld Homes.

Housing Benefit make a partial payment towards my rent, what do I do about the rent increase?

Revenues at NEDDC will send you notification of the new award amount of Housing Benefit and this will be paid to Rykneld Homes directly.

If you pay the remainder by Direct Debit, the correct amount will be calculated, and you will receive notification of your new payments from Rykneld Homes shortly. If you pay by another payment method, you will need to ensure the remainder of your rent charged is covered and increase your payments if required.

I pay my rent using my bank card over the phone or online, what do I do about the rent increase?

When you contact us to make a payment, you will need to increase the amount you pay in line with your rent increase. If you are unsure of the amount you need to pay, please contact our Rents Team on 01246 217670 or via rents.team@rykneldhomes.org.uk.

I pay my rent using a PayPoint or at a Post Office, do I need to do anything?

When you make a payment, you will need to increase the amount you pay in line with your rent increase. If you are unsure of the amount you need to pay, please contact our Rents Team on 01246 217670 or via rents.team@rykneldhomes.org.uk.