Rent in social housing

Rent is money you pay your council or housing association to live in your home.

Your tenancy agreement should tell you:

• how often to pay your rent

• how your rent can be increased

• what any service charges are for

Service charges

You might have to pay a service charge for things like:

• cleaning, lighting and maintenance of internal communal areas

• gardening and maintenance of outside space

• entry systems, lifts and rubbish chutes

• caretakers, wardens or emergency alarm systems

• buildings insurance and management fees

Service charges are more common in flats than houses.

Find out more about service charges for council and housing association tenants.

Benefits to help with rent

If you have a low income you could get:

• universal credit - if you are working age

• housing benefit - if you are pension age

• housing benefit - if you are in a hostel, refuge, supported or temporary housing

Benefits may not cover your full rent.

You could apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) if you still need help.

Housing benefit for council tenants is paid direct to your landlord.

Your benefits are usually paid to you if you get universal credit or rent from a housing association .

You have to pass on the rent to your landlord.

How to pay your rent

Most councils and housing associations accept rent payments:

• online

• by phone

• by bank transfer or direct debit

Your landlord might give you an electronic rent payment card to use at a post office or in some shops.

When to pay your rent

Check your tenancy agreement.

Most agreements say that you must pay your rent in advance.

Some agreements let you have some rent free weeks, for example, at Christmas.

Universal credit and housing benefit are both paid in arrears.

You should still pay your rent if you can while you're waiting for your benefits.

Speak to your housing association or council if you cannot do this.

Rent increases

Secure council tenants must get at least 4 weeks' written notice of a rent increase.

Most housing associations give you at least 4 weeks' notice.

Social rents and affordable rents

Councils and housing associations can charge either social rent or affordable rent.

Social rent is more common. It is less than you'd pay a private landlord.

Affordable rent can be up to 80% of what a private landlord normally charges. It's more common in new build properties.