We appreciate that despite levels of inflation falling, there has continued to be real increases in costs for tenants and leaseholders and this has applied to BCHG too. 

BCHG Board have agreed a 2.7% rent increase in line with our Rent Policy (based on the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%). CPI is the lowest it has been since 2020 and it is really important that we are able to increase rents to preserve the high quality homes and landlord services that we pride ourselves on.

The costs of providing services in communal areas is also increasing, particularly Gas where we are expecting an average increase of 40% and Electricity 31%. Service charge increases are unique to each scheme due to their very nature and this letter provides details of the charge that will apply to your property from April. These charges have again been reviewed in line with our Service Charge Policy which is based around three core principles of Affordability, Transparency and Viability, seeking to achieve full cost recovery whilst also balancing affordability to tenants and leaseholders. 

We understand that any increase in cost can be challenging, and we want to re-assure you that help is at hand and your Customer Relations Manager or Scheme Manager will support you in any way possible. Our Tenancy Support Programme can offer budgeting support or advice with benefits, as well as employability and training. We have teamed up with an organisation called ‘Better Housing Better Health’ who provide numerous services to combat fuel poverty. This will include fuel vouchers, free home energy visits and have access to other grants and funds for energy efficiency installations. We can refer you, or you can call them direct on their free helpline number 0800 107 0044.

We continue to have an established Hardship Fund specially designed to provide essential support to anyone faced with difficult circumstances and who may require some temporary financial relief. 

Should you wish to access any of these services please either email info@bchg.co.uk  or ring 0121 561 7934 and we will do whatever we can to assist you. In addition, our Cost of Living page details all of the additional support that is available for you and we would again be happy to assist with any of this or support you if you cannot access digital services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Rent Review 2025/2026

  • How is my rent charge calculated?

    Your rent charge has been reviewed and in line with current guidance from Government and the Regulator of Social Housing, your rent increase is limited to a maximum of 2.7% (September Consumer Price Index +1%).

  • What does my rent charge cover?

    Rent covers the expected costs of management, maintenance, the cost of loans to build and refurbish properties and to provide for major repairs required in the future. We will continue to invest in your homes, ensuring that they remain safe and fit for purpose.  

  • What does my service charge cover?

    Service charges, if they apply to you, are payments for the communal services we provide, such as grounds maintenance, cleaning, lighting, etc. as part of your tenancy or leasehold arrangement.   For a full  breakdown please speak to your Customer Relations Manager or Scheme Manager. 

     

    If you live in one of our General Needs properties, including Retirement Living, we operate a fixed service charge, whereby charges are estimated based on a combination of actual costs previously incurred, the cost of any new services, and also takes into account any inflationary increases that are expected, including those applied by any external contractors or suppliers. BCHG can cap these to ensure that increases remain affordable to our customers, however it is important that a balanced approach is taken to ensure that services can be provided in a financially viable way.

  • How do I pay my rent?

    The easiest way to pay your rent and service charge is by direct debit. Alternatively, you can set up a standing order with your bank, make online payments or use a payment card. You can also download the AllPay app on your smart phone. Please contact your Customer Relations Manager or Scheme Manager for more details.   

  • I receive Universal Credit; do I need to do anything? 

    Yes, you must tell The Department of Work and Pensions of your new rent and service charge through your  online journal or through your Work Coach. You should check your journal to complete any “To Do” tasks as quickly as possible to make sure your benefits are paid correctly. You should speak to the Department of Work and Pensions as soon as you receive this letter about the best time to tell them of the change, because if you tell them too early, this may affect the amount you get for your housing costs.  If your award is not amended, your rent account will  fall into arrears which you will need to pay. 

  • All or part of my current rent is covered by Housing Benefit; do I need to do anything? 

    You are responsible to make sure your rent is paid. You must tell the Housing Benefit department of your new rent and service charge so they can make sure your new award is changed in line with the new charges.  If your award is not amended, your rent account will fall into arrears which you will need to pay. 

  • I have received a text message from you; why have I received this? 

    We may send text messages to you from time to time to tell you important information and to keep you up to date. This may include how we can support you to manage your rent account.  

  • I have been affected by financial hardship and may not be able to make my payments: what shall I do?  

    Please contact us straight away so that we can offer you one to one support, which will include personal budgeting support, assistance with additional benefits and grants and arranging affordable payment agreements.

  • My current rent is paid by standing order; do I need to contact the bank?

    Yes, we cannot amend standing orders so please contact your bank immediately to amend your payments.  

  • Do I need to amend my direct debit?

    No, we will do this for you. You will receive a letter from AllPay to confirm this change. Please check the letter to make sure the details are correct and let us know if anything needs to be amended. 

  • How do you calculate payments per calendar month?

    Multiply the total weekly charge by 52 and divide by 12. This will ensure you pay the same amount every month and that your account is kept up to date.  

  • There are some arrears on my account. Do I need to continue to pay the agreed amount?  

    Yes, this will have been included automatically in the direct debit change. You will need to include this in any standing order increases.  Please continue to pay the agreed amount off the arrears if you make your payments online or by rent payment card.  

  • How to avoid and spot scams?

    We will never call you to ask you to pay your rent over the telephone. If you are ever in doubt or need more information, please contact us.